By June 29, 2026 / 6:38 AM EDT / CBS News
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London – Catherine, the Princess of Wales, successfully completed the U.K.’s National Three Peaks Challenge. She climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours to support a cancer charity.
Commonly known as Kate, the 44-year-old royal was diagnosed with cancer in March 2024. By early 2025, she announced her remission after undergoing chemotherapy.
On Sunday, Kensington Palace shared a social media post stating that Catherine undertook the challenge not only for the physical experience but also “as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.”
The National Three Peaks Challenge consists of hiking up Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Mount Snowdon in Wales. The hike covers 23 miles and involves 10,052 feet of ascent over a 24-hour period. It also requires a 462-mile drive between the peaks.
Kate took on this challenge in support of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, linked to the hospital where she received treatment. “Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare,” she stated. “The journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”
The charity emphasizes holistic cancer care, which combines physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being alongside traditional treatments like chemotherapy. Kate mentioned that healing is about finding balance in life, between effort and acceptance.
“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,” Kate said.
The princess completed the challenge alone, receiving support from Britain’s Mountain Rescue charity during the route. At the journey’s end, she was welcomed by her husband, Prince William, heir to the throne, their children Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte, as well as her parents and brother.
Reflecting on her cancer diagnosis, Kate remarked that many people hear the life-changing words that “no one wants to hear” each year. She highlighted the personal journey, saying it profoundly tests individuals physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. The impact extends to “the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts,” she added.
After her diagnosis, Kate temporarily paused her public duties to focus on her health, but she began resuming public life since announcing her remission last year. In May 2026, she undertook her first overseas trip since revealing her diagnosis, visiting northern Italy.