Princess Catherine of Wales has completed a well-known physical challenge to support a UK cancer charity – a move which she hopes will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.
In a post to X, Catherine said she had taken on the three peaks challenge as "not simply as a physical endeavour" but "as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back".
In the three peaks challenge, participants aim to climb the tallest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within a 24-hour time period. The mountains are Scotland's Ben Nevis, England's Scafell Pike and Wales' Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa.
Catherine revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. The type of cancer she was living with has not been publicly disclosed.
In the post, Catherine said charity Royal Marsden "holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people".
Through the challenge, she hoped to raise awareness for "the deeper impact of serious illness and 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."
She said healing, whether it is 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.
"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."
In 2025, the Princess of Wales opened up on her cancer journey during a hospital visit in Colchester, where she said it had been "really difficult", and emphasised the importance of post-treatment support.
Earlier this year, Catherine shared a message to others dealing with cancer, and said there were moments of "fear of exhaustion" but also moments of "strength, kindness, and profound connection".
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