Princess Catherine completes Three Peaks Challenge for cancer charity

Princess Catherine completes Three Peaks Challenge for cancer charity

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, becoming the first member of the royal family to do so, according to Kensington Palace. The endurance event, which required climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours, concluded on Sunday, 28 June 2026.

The 44-year-old princess undertook the solo feat to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and to raise awareness about the impact of serious illness. Catherine was treated for an undisclosed form of cancer at the Royal Marsden hospital in Chelsea, west London. She revealed her diagnosis in March 2024 and announced she was in remission in January 2025.

The challenge involved scaling Ben Nevis (1,345m), Scafell Pike (978m), and Mount Snowdon (1,085m), also known as Yr Wyddfa. In total, the princess trekked 23 miles with an ascent of 3,064m. Between the climbs, she was driven 462 miles by aides from Kensington Palace. Mountain Rescue provided support along the route.

Upon finishing at the base of Mount Snowdon, she was met by her husband, William, Prince of Wales, 44, and their children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. Also present were her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, 71 and 77 respectively, and her brother James Middleton, 39.

In a message shared on social media alongside a photograph of herself smiling at the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday evening, the princess described the trek as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.

"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."

Catherine, Princess of Wales, via Instagram

The proceeds from the event will support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, specifically to increase access to holistic care. This approach includes nutrition, physical activity, complementary approaches, spiritual and psychological support, and time spent in nature. Such therapies are intended to help patients manage anxiety, fatigue, and the long-term effects of treatment.

Catherine, who has previously campaigned on the importance of the outdoors, stated that holistic therapies complement clinical pathways to help patients maintain their resilience and quality of life. She noted that the challenge would fund research into how these treatments work alongside clinical cancer care to create a national blueprint for supportive care.

The princess and Prince William became joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in January 2025, though Prince William has served as the trust's president since 2007. Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the trust, said she was honoured by the patronage and noted that the princess's commitment comes from deep empathy for those facing similar challenges.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of the disease, the princess wrote that the path following a diagnosis tests a person physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually, ripple effects that touch friendships, work, and families.

"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."

Catherine, Princess of Wales, via X

Donations are being accepted via a specially designed fundraising page at royalmarsden.org/princessofwales.