Princess Catherine has revealed the name she uses in public after sending a new message of support to an 11-year-old paraplegic boy, Ted Haslam. The Princess of Wales made an undisclosed donation to support Ted, a wheelchair user she met during her charity trek over the weekend. Catherine climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – finishing the demanding route within 24 hours.
Meeting on Ben Nevis
Whilst on Ben Nevis, Catherine met Ted, who also took on the Three Peaks Challenge that day. He completed the challenge with the support of a team of family and friends. Ted is raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity that supports children with serious illnesses.
Emotional Message Signed 'C'
While the amount of the donation is not visible, Catherine sent an emotional message to the 11-year-old, which read: “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.” She signed the message with her initial “C”. However, for the name she used to post her message, the princess simply used “Catherine Wales”.
Previous Alias: Mrs Cambridge
It is not the first time Catherine has used a special moniker when interacting with members of the public. Back in 2012, just one year after she married Prince William, the Mail on Sunday revealed that Catherine asked a shopkeeper to reserve a wetsuit for her under the name of “Mrs Cambridge,” when she realised she had forgotten her purse. A source told the outlet at the time: "He [the shop owner] was happy with that, but then produced a pen and asked for her name. Perhaps she was trying to play down her destiny as future Queen, but she replied ‘Mrs Cambridge’. He was looking straight at her and actually commented that it was quite an unusual surname. He hadn’t a clue who she was. She just smiled and said she’d be back. He hasn’t lived it down since."
Royal First and Family Support
Princess Catherine completed the trek and was welcomed at the finish by the Prince of Wales, their children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – as well as her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton. Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the Royal Family to complete the Three Peaks. The royals celebrated the undertaking, with the monarchy’s official social media account posting: “Congratulations to The Princess of Wales.” Catherine revealed she had taken on the trek, not only as a physical endeavour but “to give something back” and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness.
