The Princess of Wales has released a moving statement after revealing she completed Britain’s National Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
In a new post shared on Instagram on Sunday, June 28, the Princess of Wales, 44, revealed that she completed Britain’s National Three Peaks Challenge to “explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.”
Catherine, 44, climbed Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland; Scafell Pike, the highest in England; and Snowdon, the highest in Wales, within 24 hours to raise money for the hospital where she was treated for cancer.
She was greeted by her husband, three children, parents and brother, who were all waiting at the foot of Snowdon.
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer at the start of 2024 and underwent six months of chemotherapy before announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission.
Catherine completed the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves 23 miles of walking, 3,064m of vertical climbing and 462 miles of driving between the locations, solo, with support from mountain rescue teams.
Teaming up with The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where she received her chemotherapy, Princess Kate wanted to raise money and awareness of the wider impact serious illness can have on a person’s life.
A misty photograph of a smiling Princess Kate at the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday, June 27, was released to celebrate her achievement, showing her wrapped up against the elements in a black waterproof jacket with the hood up, a baseball cap and a rucksack on her back.
Kate also shared a candid message alongside her photograph about the challenging experience of navigating a cancer diagnosis.
The Princess 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.”
She went on to explain: “The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me, and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people.”
She said the money raised will go towards improving access to holistic healthcare, as she is passionate about supporting the whole person alongside clinical treatment.
“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.”
Catherine wants to ensure that people facing cancer know they are not alone.
The Princess concluded her message by saying: “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.”
Kensington Palace said it believes the Princess is the first member of the Royal Family to have completed the expedition.
