Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed Britain’s grueling Three Peaks Challenge over the weekend in support of the hospital where she was treated for cancer, seeking to “explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.”
She took on the challenge — climbing the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales for a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet over 23 miles in a single day — to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a London-based cancer center.
“Lots of people have asked me why I’m doing this challenge,” Kate said in a video message posted Sunday. “Partly it’s personal — I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills.”
“But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge all the incredible work going on up and down this country,” she added.
Kate announced in March 2024 she had been diagnosed with cancer and was receiving treatments. She confirmed at the beginning of 2025 that her cancer was in remission.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. ... The journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”
— Princess Catherine on what she has learned during her cancer journey
In the aftermath of her diagnosis, Kate kept a minimal public profile and has made a gradual return to royal duties with a new focus on supporting cancer research, treatment and people living with cancer. Last year, she was named the joint patron of The Royal Marsden’s specialist cancer center alongside her husband, Prince William.
Kate described The Royal Marsden as a place that holds “great meaning” for her, and as a “life-changing” treatment center for many patients.
Summiting all three British peaks was an additional step toward raising awareness for “the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare,” she said.
She added, “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,” noting that holistic therapies can help patients maintain well-being, resilience and quality of life through challenging treatments.
The princess completed the arduous hike alone, and was greeted afterward by Prince William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as her parents and brother, Michael, Carole and James Middleton.
With a photo of herself mid-challenge, smiling through fog and rain, she reflected on her own battle with the disease and said that, in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, patients are tested “physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.”
“The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts,” she continued. “Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. ... The journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”
It has been more than two years since Kate underwent a “planned abdominal surgery,” which led to doctors detecting and diagnosing her cancer.
Kate confirmed in January 2025 that her cancer had gone into remission, noting that her focus was still on making a full recovery and that she would ease back into her public duties.
“It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery,” Kate wrote in a statement shared on X at the time. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.”
Last month, Kate traveled to Italy in her first overseas engagement since revealing her cancer diagnosis in 2024 — marking a significant step in her recovery. Weeks later, she visited cancer patients at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, continuing her efforts to support people affected by cancer.