Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has completed the Three Peaks Challenge, an endurance event that involves climbing the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales within 24 hours. The challenge was undertaken to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and to highlight the importance of holistic care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
The princess, who announced she was undergoing cancer treatment in March 2024 and is now in remission, described the challenge as an opportunity to "explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back." She stated that cancer affects more than just the body, impacting an individual's thoughts, feelings, and all aspects of life. She emphasized that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medical intervention alone.
"Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare," the princess wrote on social media. "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."
She further explained that holistic therapies can complement clinical pathways and support patients in maintaining their well-being, resilience, and quality of life during difficult times. The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity launched a fundraising page for her walk, aiming to support more cancer patients in benefiting from holistic care.
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, expressed gratitude for the princess's support, noting her deep empathy for those facing similar challenges. She added that the funds raised would make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
The princess climbed Scafell Pike in England, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in Wales over the weekend. She was joined at the completion of the challenge in Wales by members of her family, including the Prince of Wales, her three children, her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James.
Following her cancer diagnosis, which was described as a "huge shock," and an "incredibly tough couple of months," the princess announced her remission about a year later, expressing her relief. She has since returned to royal duties.