The Norfolk seaside that received Kate Middleton and Prince William’s hearts
Many royal watchers were delighted yesterday when the Princess of Wales revealed in an emotional three-minute video that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
The touching video, which also featured the Prince of Wales, and the couple’s three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – boasted another sight familiar to many royal fans, the rural backdrop of Norfolk.
Filmed in the area last month, the three-minute long video featured a backdrop of stunning nature, showing the family playing happily on a beach and in some woods, as well as William and Catherine laying entwined on a blanket, hugging their children – and kissing.
Followers of the Wales may have noticed that this backdrop has appeared in previous imagery shared by the family to mark significant events, with beachside scenes appearing to have been filmed at Holkham Bay.
In June of this year, Kate took a heartwarming snap of her husband Prince William jumping off sand dunes with Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.
It is thought that the video released yesterday by the Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured) was partly filmed on Holkham Beach in Norfolk
The image, which was shared on Instagram, appeared to have been taken at a beach close to the Wales’ countryside home of Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
It was accompanied by a caption which read: ‘Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx’.
The same beach is believed to have been featured in a video shared by the Wales in 2021, to mark their tenth wedding anniversary.
Kate and William shared an unprecedented glimpse into their family life via the candid video, to thank supporters for sending ‘kind messages’ on their milestone date.
According to Hello! magazine, the video was filmed in the dunes of Holkham Bay, which the outlet described as being ‘relatively secluded throughout the year which could explain its popularity with the royal family’.
Holkham Bay is described as offering miles of unspoilt beach – which is accessed by walking through a small forest – notably, the video shared yesterday also showed the family of five spending time in a forest.
The seaside village of Holkham is not far from the Wales’ Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall.
Numerous lists featuring the UK’s best beaches include the location, thanks to its miles of unspoilt sandy stretches, as well as its expansive dunes, and wildlife.
A photograph shared earlier this year to mark Prince William’s birthday is also said to have been filmed in the dunes in the same Norfolk beach
When marking their tenth wedding anniversary in 2021, William and Kate (pictured) shared footage also believed to have been filmed at the same location
Being just a short drive from the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate, it has also been reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II used to enjoy talking her corgis for a stroll along the shore.
According to a source speaking to Hello! in 2023, the Wales have been seen enjoying the local seaside on multiple occasions.
The source, described as a local, said: ‘They’ve been spotted on a yacht just off Holkham Beach, it’s the perfect way for them to be able to enjoy the beach but be away from the crowds. Holkham is amazing – it’s the beach from Shakespeare in Love – huge white sand with sand dunes, and although it’s very popular it never feels busy, as it’s so big.’
However, they added, the area gets so busy during peak Summer season, that ‘it would be hard for the royal family to come down and enjoy it’ – and so being on a boat ‘gives them privacy and security but they still get to enjoy their local beach’.
Another interesting feature of the beach, according to some reports, is that is has naturist areas. While there have been multiple attempts to ban the practice, it appears these have ultimately been unsuccessful.
However, it is unlikely that any visiting royals will stumble across nude sunbathers, as the practice is limited to specific areas.
A 2013 ban on nudism, put in place by the beach’s owner the Holkham Estate, was overturned after threat of legal action by the non-profit organisation British Naturism.
While already fairly famous thanks to its stunning vistas, no doubt more people will be aware of the area following the release of Kate Middleton’s video yesterday.
The clip showed Kate and her husband Prince William celebrating the Princess’s recovery alongside their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate spoke of her ‘relief’ at her programme of chemo finally coming to an end during the emotional video released yesterday
The princess walks through the woods under dappled sunlight during the video released alongside her statement
Kate appeared happy and relaxed in the video, which will delight her millions of supporters
While Kate’s message to the nation was filled with hope and celebration, she warned that ‘doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus’ and admitted the last nine months have been a ‘scary and unpredictable’ time for her family.
The Princess said the experience has reminded her and her husband to ‘reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.’
In her message the princess says: ‘As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment. The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
‘The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
‘This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. ‘
Referring to her plans for the coming months, Catherine continues: ‘Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
‘Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life. William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.’
The new video of the princess and her family – an unprecedented piece of deeply personal footage – was filmed in Norfolk by one of their favourite film-makers, Will Warr
Princess Charlotte hugs their parents as they look out over a beach in Norfolk
And she ends it with a deeply moving and emotional message to fellow cancer patients and their families, saying: ‘To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.’
Palace source emphasised that while the princess is looking forward to undertaking a ‘handful’ of public engagements over the coming months, her focus is on being ‘cancer free’ and her journey to full recovery ‘is long’.
Her programme of engagements will be ‘light’ but is likely, as previously revealed by the Daily Mail, to including Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and other events around it.
She will not accompany Prince William to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November, emphasising she wanted to remain in the UK to support her young family for whom the year has been difficult too.
She has already started to work from home on ‘passion projects’ such as her early childhood programme and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.
Kate pictured behind the wheel as she reads her statement as a voiceover
The setting of the footage is deeply symbolic, drawing on the strength Kate has drawn from her family and loved ones and from spending time on the things which bring her joy
The Cambridge children play in the sea during the video released today
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are featured regularly in the new video
Kate and William lark around on the beach in a delightful scene from the video
The footage is one of the intimate insights into family life that Kate and William have provided so far
Delightful scenes show the family enjoying each other’s company in nature
A source stressed that the entire Wales family are ‘immensely grateful for the kind and thoughtful wishes they have received over the past nine months’ and are grateful to the media for its cooperation in affording her space and privacy.
The princess was first admitted to hospital in January for what has only been described as planned abdominal surgery. It was later discovered by doctors that cancer had been present and she embarked on her treatment in late February.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the princess expects to return to a full programme of duties next year. It is understood that decisions about 2025 will be taken in line with medical advice.
However sources told the Mail that the Princess hopes to do a small number of engagements shining a light on some of the causes, issues and charities that are closest to her heart over the coming months. They are only likely to be announced last minute as they will depend as and when Her Royal Highness feels able to carry them out, with sources stressing repeatedly that every ‘cancer journey is different’.
It is understood that she is also working with staff on plans for her annual carol concert in December.
