The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, took on the Three Peaks challenge, which saw her climb Ben Nevis, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike in 24 hours – and it was for a great cause
The Princess of Wales has spoken of living with cancer as she today sent an emotional message to survivors – “we stand together”.
Princess Kate, 44, said: “Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.”
The mum of three made the passionate statement after she completed the Three Peaks challenge, with which she has raised money the hospital where she had cancer treatment. Kate was diagnosed in March 2024 and completed her treatment – including chemotherapy – at the Royal Foundation and the Royal Marsden in Chelsea, London, in September of that year.
After she reached the summit of Snowdon today solo with the support of Mountain Rescue along the route, Kate said: “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.”
On finishing the challenge, the Princess announced she has joined forces with the Royal Marsden to launch a fundraising page where all donations will go towards providing holistic care at the London hospital where she received her treatment for cancer.
She continued: “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.”
The Princess of Wales overcame her battle and, in early 2025, she returned to royal duties. She said she chose to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge – a national event in which participants attempt to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours – to “explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back”.
The mum, who was greeted by other members of her family including Prince William, and Carole and Michael Middleton and James Middleton at the base of Snowdon, continued: “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. “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.
“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.”
Kate finished the challenge by completing Snowdon, having climbed Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike earlier in the 24-hour mission.
The funds raised for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity will support more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care. The money will also support research into how these can best work alongside clinical cancer treatments to help patients every step of the way. The goal is to create a blueprint for change, so this supportive care becomes a standard part of cancer treatment nationally.
Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At The Royal Marsden, we are committed to ensuring every patient has the personalised support they need as they navigate their diagnosis, treatment and life beyond cancer. A patient’s cancer journey doesn’t stop when active treatment stops; it’s important to treat the whole person, not just the illness. Holistic care that complements clinical care plays a vital role in enabling patients to sustain their wellbeing, resilience, and quality of life.
“We are honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales as Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden. The Princess’s 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.”
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