A hiker has described his unexpected meeting with Catherine, the Princess of Wales, while she was in the midst of her Three Peaks Challenge. Jacky Leung encountered the princess on Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, during her solo expedition.
Leung recounted seeing camera operators before noticing a "very lean female hiker." He soon realized the woman was the Princess of Wales and described himself as "speechless" and "confused and so psyched" in that moment. The princess initiated a brief conversation, asking if he was alright and if he had made it to the top of the mountain. Leung confirmed he had and told her, "You're so inspiring!" The princess responded with a "Thank you!"
Leung observed that the princess "power-walked up with very strong spirit" and noted that "not many people recognised Her Royal Highness as she made her way up to the top." He added that his own friends did not notice her passing by.
The Princess of Wales undertook the gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge over a weekend, ascending Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales within 24 hours. The expedition began on Saturday evening.
The personal challenge was undertaken to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and to "explore life beyond diagnosis." Kensington Palace stated they believe the expedition to be a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the royal family to complete the Three Peaks Challenge.
In a video released, the princess explained her motivation, stating, "I know personally how difficult that journey is." She emphasized the importance of supporting those living with and beyond cancer. "I'm so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills," she said. "But, more importantly, it's to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country."
The princess shared that cancer affects "every aspect of life," including physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being, and impacts families and friendships. She wrote in a social media message, "The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts."
Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024 and underwent chemotherapy. The challenge involved trekking 23 miles with over 10,000 feet of ascent and driving 462 miles between the mountains. Money raised will support holistic care for cancer patients and research into integrating such care with clinical treatments.
Catherine, who has previously been treated at The Royal Marsden, signed her message with a "C." The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust's chief executive, Dame Cally Palmer, expressed gratitude for the princess's "generous support."