What we can learn from the Princess of Wales’ intimate family video

In March, Catherine, Princess of Wales, announced she had been diagnosed with cancer. The video message, in which she was filmed seated on a garden bench sharing her medical condition in a matter-of-fact and measured tone, sent shockwaves across the globe. Five months later, the princess has used video again – but this time glowing and surrounded by family – to announce she has completed her course of chemotherapy.

The three-minute video, shot in Norfolk last month by Catherine and the Prince of Wales’ favoured filmmaker, Will Warr, is personal and intimate, rooted in family, nature and playfulness.

The video announcing Princess Catherine’s positive recovery is filled with symbolism and subtle messaging.Credit: Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales

In the video, Catherine’s recovery is shown to be irrevocably connected to her family. Her husband, William, and her three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – feature heavily, often laughing and huddled together as a strong family unit.

The children play cricket, climb trees, splash in the sea, enjoy a picnic and play cards. It’s wholesome fun at its finest, images of a family connecting in the great outdoors and enjoying traditional pursuits, emphasised by the nostalgic feel of the film. Catherine speaks of the “simple, yet important, things in life, which so many of us often take for granted – of simply loving and being loved”.

Dr Brent Coker, a digital marketing specialist at The University of Melbourne, says the video’s focus on traditional family values is an effective way to connect with a global audience.

“Family is something that almost everyone has, and the strongest memories people have are with family,” he says.

The video also depicts an intimate side of the prince and princess – a couple who are not typically demonstrative in public. The couple embrace, kiss and clasp hands. Catherine leans her head on her husband’s shoulder, they lie together on their backs, arms wrapped around each other laughing.

The Prince and Princess are seen closer than ever before.Credit: Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales

These public displays of affection demonstrate the strength of their 23-year relationship and 13-year marriage, reinforcing how their recent struggles have only brought them closer.

Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, feature playing cards with their grandchildren. Previous generations of royal in-laws have often found they take a back seat to royal family traditions, but the video provides evidence of the couple’s commitment to the Middletons being part of their multi-generational family unit.

Dr Rachel Faleatua, a cultural studies scholar, says: “It seems they went with situating Catherine with her own immediate family members as a way of reminding people of her ‘everydayness’. She has a family that cares for her, and she cares for them.”

The young royal family is shown connecting with each other and nature in the video.Credit: Instagram/@princeandprincessofwales

Most of the video is set outdoors, with the young family in casual clothing. The princess wears a laid-back $580 Veronica Beard dress with Veja sneakers. William ditches the suit for a “cool dad” pair of New Balance N574 trainers.

Catherine has previously spoken of “the power of nature” in maintaining physical and mental health, so the video’s tone feels right for someone sharing the joy of their recovery with the world.

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