The Princess of Wales gained a firsthand perspective on mountain rescue efforts during her recent climb of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak. While nearing the 4,413-foot summit, a rescue operation was underway for an exhausted hiker further down the mountain.
John Banfield, an 87-year-old blind military veteran, was being assisted by two members of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) after becoming exhausted at Half Way Lochan. Banfield had previously summited Ben Nevis on Armed Forces Day to raise funds for the charity Blind Veterans UK, guided by RAF veteran Gary Thomas. The team used an all-terrain vehicle to help him off the mountain.
During this time, Catherine, accompanied by two other MRT members, was more than 2,000 feet higher on the mountain. Deputy team leader Astie Cameron reported that the Princess would have been aware of the rescue through radio communication within the team. Cameron described the Princess's performance as "absolutely amazing," noting that she completed her climb in under five hours, which was considered a quick ascent, especially given her ongoing cancer treatment.
The Princess's effort was part of a Three Peaks challenge, aiming to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales within a 24-hour period. She had stated that the challenge was an opportunity "to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back." Photos from the summit of Yr Wyddfa in Wales, shared on social media, included a message of gratitude to supporters of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, an organization the Princess described as "a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people."
