The Princess of Wales has featured in a stunning new portrait to mark an exciting upcoming project.
Catherine, 44, beamed in a photo taken in Cornwall on Thursday by Josh Shinner, one of the Wales family's preferred photographers, who has been behind portraits such as their 2023 Christmas card and Prince George's 12th birthday.
The Princess was wearing a patterned jumper from ME&EM and a smart Barbour jacket, surrounded by nature as she spent time in the woods. She wore a floral shirt underneath, adding her beloved sapphire engagement ring from her husband, Prince William, while her brunette tresses were lightly windswept.
The portrait accompanied a special video message, also recorded on Thursday, as the Princess announced a new portrait with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, exploring how nature can support social and emotional development in babies and young children.
© Josh Shinner / Kensington PalaceSpeaking to the camera, the royal said: "New scientific research shows just how important nature is for our physical and psychological wellbeing. Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and in this tech-driven, digital age, spending time outdoors has never been more important."
Ending her video with a smile, she added: "My hope is through this practical nature-based research, we can build supportive environments that make nature more accessible, benefitting babies, young children, and their families across the UK."
A note in the Court Circular, which details all the royal family's official engagements, confirmed that Prince William and Princess Catherine had quietly spent Thursday afternoon at Nansledan in Cornwall, where the picture was taken.
© Josh Shinner / Kensington PalaceThe couple previously holidayed in Cornwall over Easter, with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
It came as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nottingham – their first joint outing in the UK in six years – while King Charles and Queen Camilla were in Wales for the opening of Parliament.
Princess Catherine's exciting new project after secret visit
William and Catherine visited Cornwall on Thursday to learn more about the potential of nature-based learning in the early years, Kensington Palace said.
The Princess's new project will work closely with William's Duchy of Cornwall as a founding partner.
© Alamy Stock PhotoShe will explore how nature-rich environments can help babies and children build social and emotional skills, and how developmental science can be applied through nature-based settings.
New polling commissioned by the Centre for Early Childhood found that 84% of parents agree that spending time in nature helps their child's wellbeing and development, while only 33% report their child spends time in nature every day.
The royal mother of three has been interested in nature for a long time, and particularly sought solace in the natural world since her cancer diagnosis in 2024, for which she is now in remission.
During her visit to Reggio Emilia in Italy in May, her first official overseas visit since her recovery, she explored the role of nature in children's everyday experiences.
© GettyCatherine also developed a "Mother Nature" series for social media last year, emphasising the power of nature through the seasons.
Christian Guy, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said: "The Princess has long championed the importance of the earliest years and the environments in which children grow, play and learn as a golden opportunity to create a healthier, happier society for future generations.
"Through her work over a number of years, Her Royal Highness has explored how relationships, creativity and our connection to the natural world help create the conditions for people to flourish."
Prince William and Princess Catherine mark poignant milestones
Thursday was a special day for the Princess, as her nephew, Arthur Michael William Matthews, the eldest son of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, turned eight.
Princess Catherine, 44, is known to be a doting aunt and also incredibly close to her parents and her younger siblings, Pippa, 43, and James, 39.
Her younger brother even met her at the base of Mount Snowdon following her Three Peaks mountain climbing challenge back in June.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a poignant post on Thursday as they marked the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The royals shared an image of a lit candle to honour the campaign, simply writing: "Marking Baby Loss Awareness Week #WaveOfLight," which sees participants light a candle in remembrance on 15 October each year.
