A week ago, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales, the highest peaks in each of those countries. The route covered 37 kilometers, with more than 3,000 meters of total ascent and 740 kilometers of driving, all within 24 hours. The main goal behind the challenge was the fight against cancer.
On Sunday night, about a week after finishing the challenge, the princess shared new photos from the finish, where she was surrounded and embraced by her family. “This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge. A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity,” she wrote alongside the photos.
(Photo: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page)
Kate and Princess Charlotte
(Photo: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page)
The first photo in the post shows Prince William wrapping his wife in a huge bear hug. The following images show the princess embracing Prince George, who now appears to have overtaken her in height, Princess Charlotte, who seemed to have cried from emotion, and, of course, Prince Louis, who also starred in the photos while holding tightly to his mother’s hand.
The final photo in the sequence showed the Wales family together with Kate’s proud parents and her brother James. Kate, 44, appeared in red shorts, a cap and a backpack, beaming in the images released after the challenge.
(Photo: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page)
(Photo: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page)
(Photo: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram page)
After completing the challenge, the princess published a message on social media and stressed its importance. “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 added.
Kate went on to share that she embarked on the National Three Peaks Challenge “not simply as a physical endeavor," but “as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.”
The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and later said she was in remission. The Royal Marsden is the hospital where she received treatment, and her climb was meant to raise support for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and its work with patients.
The princess added: “Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness of the deep effects of serious illness and the importance of holistic medicine. Every person is a world unto themselves, and when treatment addresses the whole person, it allows those coping with cancer to better face the personal and profound challenge that comes with diagnosis.”
“This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and help expand access to holistic care and deepen the understanding of its importance, in order to support the recovery and rehabilitation of patients across Britain.”