A proponent of “forest bathing,” the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to recharge, Princess Kate has long advocated for the benefits of the outdoors for both children and adults.

A proponent of “forest bathing,” the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to recharge, Princess Kate has long advocated for the benefits of the outdoors for both children and adults.

“I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental well-being,” she said in 2019.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story, “There she is in nature, which has fortified her, and looking upward in a sign of real hope and encouragement for everybody.”

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The Meaning Behind Kate Middleton’s First New Portrait Since Announcing Her Cancer Diagnosis (Exclusive)
A former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth says, “Even though she has a huge amount of support from others, it is a journey you have to do on your own”

By Simon Perry Published on June 24, 2024 09:16AM EDT
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton in a portrait by Matt Porteous released on June 14, 2024. PHOTO: MATT PORTEOUS
Kate Middleton acknowledged that she is not yet “out of the woods” in her cancer treatment, but it’s there she finds her strength.

In a personal message released on June 14, the Princess of Wales, 42, shared her first health update since announcing her cancer diagnosis accompanied by a new photo. The solo snap by photographer Matt Porteous was taken in Windsor, where she lives with Prince William and their three children, showing Kate dressed casually in jeans and a blazer with her arms folded as she poses outdoors against a tree.

A proponent of “forest bathing,” the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature to recharge, Princess Kate has long advocated for the benefits of the outdoors for both children and adults.

“I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental well-being,” she said in 2019.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story, “There she is in nature, which has fortified her, and looking upward in a sign of real hope and encouragement for everybody.”

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton in a portrait by Matt Porteous released on June 14, 2024. MATT PORTEOUS
Kate Middleton Going Through ‘Same Emotions and Fears’ as Anyone with Cancer, Says Former Palace Press Secretary

Adds Ailsa Anderson, a former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, “She could have posted an image of her with William or the kids. Even though she has a huge amount of support from others, it is a journey you have to do on your own. [The photo] was her on her own; it was reflective.”

Princess Kate tapped Porteous to capture the image. The photographer has been behind many portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ family through the years, including Prince George’s third birthday photos, a sweet image captured at Prince Louis’ 2018 christening and snaps of the family of five used for their annual Christmas cards.