Kensington Palace releases new video of Princess Kate as she issues statement

Princess Kate encourages people to "cherish the bonds of love and friendship" in a short video celebrating summer. The two-minute film, shared on Kensington Palace's official social media pages, marks the second instalment of her video series, Mother Nature.

Kate launched the series in May as a celebration of the changing seasons across the UK, and a reminder and reflection of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. The summer episode, released on Wednesday afternoon to coincide with the peak of the season in the UK, was filmed over the last few months in areas such as Sheffield, Bradford, North Wales and Anglesey and the south coast. It also features students from the Royal Ballet School.

The princess gives the voiceover of the two-minute video, but she and her family do not appear in the film.

Kate says: "Summer is a season for abundance. Just as the flowers bloom and the fruits ripen, we too are reminded of our own potential for growth. It is the time to ignite our inner fire and explore our own creativity, passions, and dreams.

"As we bask in the sunlit hours, friends and families come together; playing, connecting, being present. Embracing the joy to be found in even the most fleeting of moments and shared experiences.

"Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. So open your hearts; sing, dance, play. The days are still long, so simply love, and be loved."

The video, shot by filmmaker Will Warr and the in-house Kensington Palace media team, remains rooted in nature, with shots of gardening, the white cliffs of Dover, beaches, open water swimming and meadows.

Students from The Royal Ballet School, who also performed at Kate's 2024 Christmas Carol Service, are filmed dancing in Richmond Park.

In a message accompanying the new Summer edition, the Princess says: "Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here's to Summer. C."

Since her cancer diagnosis last year, Kate has become increasingly vocal about the power of spending time in nature. In the spring edition, she revealed how she embraced "the healing power of nature" during her treatment. And in March, Kate used her Mothers' Day message to celebrate Mother Nature.