THE Princess of Wales has scaled new heights by climbing Britain’s three highest peaks in 24 hours for a cancer charity.
Kate, 44, who is recovering from cancer, completed the tough ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ this weekend and was greeted at the finish line by William, George, Louis, Charlotte, her parents and brother.
She trekked a combined 23 miles (37km) and 3,064 metres (10,052ft) by scaling the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales.
Starting on Saturday evening she completed the challenge within the allotted 24 hours.
In a message announcing her fundraising efforts Kate echoed her emotional words, when she revealed she had cancer two years ago telling other people “you are not alone”.
And wrote about the impact “physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually” of cancer diagnosis.
She also wrote “we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer”, adding that together “no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.”
This weekend Kate climbed 1,345m up Ben Nevis in Scotland, 1,085m high Mount Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, in Wales, and Scafell Pike in England which tops at 978m.
She was photographed smiling at the summit of Ben Nevis on Sarturday in jacket with hood up and hiking sticks.
In a video shot before her 24 hour adventure the Princess of Wales explained why she took on the Three Peak Challenge.
She described how the effort was “personal” and she is “grateful to be strong enough” to make the climb.
Kate said she wanted to “give something back” by raising money for the hospital that treated her saying it is an “organisation very dear to me”.
In a one-minute video Kate said: “Lots of people have asked me why I’m doing this challenge, and partly – it’s personal.
“I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills.
“But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country.
“I’ve met some incredible people – those people who are living with and beyond cancer – and I know personally how difficult that journey is.
“And I really wanted to use this opportunity as my way of contributing to all the wonderful work that’s going on, and in particular to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – an organisation very dear to me, but who do extraordinary work supporting those living with and beyond the disease.”
Kate carried out the trip on her own but was supported by Mountain Rescue and met by Wills, George, Charlotte, Louis, Carole and Michael Middleton, and brother James Middleton, at the foot of Mt Snowden, when she finished.
The endurance trip was carried out to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, coming weeks after she had an emotional trip to meet patients at The Christie specialist cancer care unit in Manchester.
Funds raised for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity will support people with cancer to benefit from holistic care.
And will support research into new ways holistic treatment can work alongside clinical care treatment.
A specially designed fundraising page has been set up for people to donate at www.royalmarsden.org/princessofwales.
Posting a message marking her achievement on social media, Kate wrote: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear.
“What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.
“I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.
“The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.
“Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare.
“Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis.
“Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.
“We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.
“This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.
“Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being.
“Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.
“Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone.”
Sources close to Kate say did the trip to explore life beyond diagnosis, raise awareness and highlight crucial holistic care to run alongside clinical treatment.
Kate is believed to be the first member of the Royal Family to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.
She was driven the 462 miles between three locations by her aides.
Around 30,000 people attempt the challenge every year and all three must be completed within 24 hours.
Challengers must begin at Ben Nevis, then Scafell Pike and finish at Mount Snowdon.
It was held to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and its work to improve access to holistic care.
Earlier this month she visited The Christie, in Manchester, meeting patients and doctors and spoke how cancer recovery was complex and continues beyond the end of treatment.
She was emotional as patient Clare Lorente, 30, rang a bell to signal the end of her cancer treatment.
It is understood that Kate wants her message and challenge to show no one facing cancer should feel unseen or unsupported.
And hopes the challenge will encourage greater understanding of the realities of living with cancer.
The Princess of Wales revealed she had cancer in an emotional video more than two years in March 2024 and and announced she was in remission around nine months later in January 2025.
