Princess Kate Middleton’s lesser-known interests and how she spends her free time are adding a touch of authenticity and strength to her public persona, according to royal insiders speaking with Fox News Digital.
Royal expert Helena Chard pointed out, “Princess Catherine has some really surprising pastimes, most of which connect back to her love for nature.” Recently, Kate has picked up meditation, reportedly helped by well-known photographer Chris Levine.
“She believes that meditation can be just as effective as medication,” Chard shared. “It provides her with a sense of balance and serenity, making it a great tool for handling anxiety.”
Kate’s newfound appreciation for the outside world is being described as a ‘rural renaissance’ by royal expert Hilary Fordwich. “Her genuine love for British traditions that embrace the countryside makes her very relatable, especially to middle-class families and rural voters who value authenticity and resilience,” she added.
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“It’s her sincere attitude, prioritizing genuine connection over status, that enhances her overall charm. YouGov polls show she remains the most favored royal after Prince William,” Fordwich stated.
Though her love for the outdoors isn’t new, royal commentator Amanda Matta noted that in recently, it’s become significantly more visible in Kate’s public persona. “By portraying time in nature as her ‘hobby,’ she taps into something simple and relatable. Who can’t enjoy a walk in the woods?”
According to Matta, this portrayal strengthens the perception of Kate as a down-to-earth figure who enjoys the same modest pleasures as everyone else. “It’s that genuine touch that makes her relatable,” she emphasized.
Princess Kate maintains an active lifestyle, also engaging in sports.
“People often forget just how sporty Kate really is,” Matta explained. “She has been seen biking, windsurfing, rock-climbing, and even abseiling from various viewpoints. There are also delightful tales of her having rugby fun with her kids in their Anmer Hall garden and going paddleboarding nearby,” she noted.
“Kate has mentioned that her children are at their happiest outdoors, whether it’s catching little tadpoles or helping out in the garden, which truly showcases her priorities,” Matta continued. “She’s the kind of mom who would much prefer to see her kids playing in the mud than glued to screens, as she pointed out in her recent essay on the ‘epidemic of disconnection.'”
In Matta’s view, Kate has transformed her royal work into something more down-to-earth. “Whether she’s gardening during charity visits or joining kids for bug hunts, she brings a natural vibe to her events rather than a ceremonial one. After a tough year focused on her cancer recovery, it’s clear she wants to project grounding and relatability. The recurring outdoor themes we see convey a significant message; it’s almost like a visual story of renewal. Nature has become her emblem of strength.”
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The princess revealed her cancer diagnosis to the public in March 2024 and confirmed she was undergoing chemotherapy at that time.
By January 2025, Kate Middleton was in remission. “It’s such a relief to finally be in remission, and I’m staying focused on recovery,” she shared in a statement across social media. “Anyone familiar with a cancer diagnosis knows it takes time to adjust to this new chapter. However, I’m looking forward to all that lies ahead. Thank you to everyone for your unwavering support.”
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Kate’s reported interest in weightlifting helps strengthen her core, as noted by royal expert and former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner—especially important after battling cancer.
One of the quirkiest aspects of Kate’s fitness routine, according to Prince William, is her love for swimming in freezing streams and pools under the cover of darkness. “She finds this totally refreshing,” said Pelham Turner.
Despite wondering if his wife is a bit ‘bonkers’ for seeking out cold waters—often even in rainy conditions—William finds it both amusing and admirable, since it genuinely boosts her mood, as confirmed by Chard.
Kate’s approachable character, along with her collaborative and caring nature, has earned her a favorable spot in the hearts of the people.
According to Chard, “Catherine’s joyful outlook as she undertakes royal duties—with passion and a big smile infused with dedication—is exceptionally commendable. The future looks bright for the monarchy with Princess Catherine and her husband leading the way, and this is the news we should be celebrating loudly!”
Original article source:Kate Middleton’s hidden hobby, love for outdoors fuels her ‘rural renaissance’ and rising popularity: expert
