Kate Middleton had the support of her younger brother as she participated in one of the greatest fitness challenges of her life. Over the weekend, Middleton secretly participated in the National Three Peaks Challenge, an event that requires participants to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales, and Scotland within a period of 24 hours.
© Getty ImagesIn footage shared by a fellow climber, Middleton was seen with her brother James. The two held hands as they descended Mount Snowdon in Wales, and were accompanied by one of James' dogs.
"There I was, congratulating fellow climbers as they made their way down from the windy summit... little did I know I was actually speaking to royalty," wrote Phillip Tebajjwa, who shared the footage.
Tebajjwa shared more photos and experiences of the event, including a sweet story involving Middleton. "The Princess of Wales just stopped to congratulate me on completing the challenge... and then agreed to take a selfie. At that moment, I could only think one thing... Am I actually dreaming?"
Middleton scaled Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales within 24 hours. Her achievement was confirmed by the Royal Palace. In her own account, she shared a post of her own, opening up about cancer and why she decided to support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity following the conclusion of the challenge.
© The Prince and Princess of Wales"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 wrote.
"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."
Middleton began her trek on Saturday, hiking a total of 23 miles with an elevation gain of over 10,000 feet.
Middleton's journey with cancer
© Karwai TangKate Middleton shared her cancer diagnosis in 2024, taking a step back from her royal duties. Her decision to share the news with the public marked a transparent approach from royals, who generally prefer to avoid revealing details about their health to the public. A year later, she shared that she was in remission.
Since her diagnosis, Middleton has supported various cancer charities, adding the illness to one of the causes she champions. She and her husband, Prince William, are joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
This week, the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity launched a fundraising page in Middleton's honor, raising funds to increase holistic care for cancer patients.
© Getty Images
