Catherine has revealed that she completed the Three Peaks hiking challenge over the weekend, ‘to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back’.
The Three Peaks Challenge is an endurance test, seeing hikers climb the three tallest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis), and Wales (Snowdon or Yr Wyddfa) within 24 hours. It totals 23 miles of walking, more than 3,000 metres of ascent (over 10,000 ft), with a driving distance of 462 miles.
The Princess of Wales, who has been in remission for 18 months, is aiming to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the hospital where she herself was treated last year.
The mother-of-three was diagnosed with cancer early in 2024, shortly after The King shared his own diagnosis. Catherine underwent chemotherapy, and shared she was in remission last January.
The Princess hiked alone, but was met at the end of the day at the foot of Mount Snowdon by her husband and three children, along with her parents and brother.
The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity launched a fundraising page for the royal walk, saying the money would ‘support more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care’.
The Princess shared a personal message with a smiling photo of her in hiking gear in misty surroundings on social media yesterday, explaining her decision to take on the challenge:
‘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.’
She also said that ‘cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life’ and that ‘personally’ she herself knows the ‘journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone’.
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She continued: ‘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.’
It was signed off, ‘C’.
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said they were ‘honoured’ to have The Prince and Princess of Wales as joint patrons.
‘The Princess’ commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.’
You can support the Princess’ fundraising here.
