The Princess of Wales surprised several hikers during her gruelling National Three Peaks Challenge, including an 11-year-old boy in a wheelchair whose father helped carry him up Ben Nevis. Kate climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours starting on Saturday evening, raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Encounter with Ted Haslam
Among those she chatted to was Ted Haslam, from Sutton Coldfield, who was pushed and carried by 15 friends and relatives, including his father Paul, who were also completing the challenge. A clip on social media showed Kate bumping into the group at the top of Ben Nevis and taking time to speak to Ted, who was diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumour at the age of three and was raising money for children's charity Molly Ollys.
The princess asked him: “How are you doing, Ted? You're not too cold? So many people are stood in their T-shirts! Why are they doing that?!” She then spotted a toy Ted was carrying and asked: “Who's this, is that your lucky mascot? Has it got a name?” before being told it was a mascot for Molly Ollys.
When Ted told the princess it was the first time he had been to the top of Ben Nevis, she told him: “Well it's such a shame you can't see any of the views. I'm so impressed, really, you've made it to the second peak. Super, well done you. We'll be cheering you on. Hopefully we'll see you on Snowdon. Good luck.”
Other hikers' encounters
Another hiker, Jacky Leung, said he bumped into the princess as she was scaling Ben Nevis and he was coming down. Kate congratulated him on making it to the top, while he told her she was “so inspiring”. Mr Leung posted on Instagram that at first he spotted a “lean female hiker” making her way up the peak. He said: “I was speechless once I saw her and could not respond with any proper names to greet her. Just feeling so confused and so psyched at that split-second.”
Mr Leung added that when he told Kate he had made it to the top and was waiting for his friends, she told him: “Well done!” And in return, he told her: “Thank you! You’re so inspiring!” Posting a photo of the back of the princess on her hike, he explained: “Then she power-walked up with a very strong spirit. I believed that not many people recognised Her Royal Highness as she made her way up to the top of Ben Nevis.”
He added: “Completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours is a serious test of grit, and Her Royal Highness showed immense strength and spirit. Deepest respect to Her Royal Highness for such an incredible feat of endurance!”
Details of the challenge
Kate carried out the challenge solo, supported en route by Mountain Rescue, and was greeted at the end by the Prince of Wales and her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and 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 royal family celebrated the undertaking, with the monarchy’s official social media account posting: “Congratulations to The Princess of Wales.”
Kate trekked for 23 miles, with a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet, and a driving distance of 462 miles between locations. She was previously treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has launched a specially designed fundraising page for people across the nation to donate. Money raised will be used to help more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care.
Kate's message on the challenge
In a video released on Sunday, the princess said she had met some “incredible people” living with and beyond cancer, adding: “I know personally how difficult that journey is.” The princess, who was recorded speaking before she started the walk, said: “Lots of people have asked me why I’m doing this challenge, and partly, it’s personal. I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills. But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country.”
Kate also released a written message on social media in which she revealed she had successfully completed the trek. She was pictured smiling broadly at the misty summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday evening, dressed in a cagoule, with a cap on and her hood up, and trekking poles on her back. The princess could be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
The princess wrote: “I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life-changing for so many people. Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare.”
Sharing her own experience of cancer, she spoke of how she personally understood that the illness can affect every aspect of someone’s life. The princess added: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts. Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally.”
Background on Kate's cancer
Kate was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, and she announced she was in remission 17 months ago in January 2025. The physical challenge marks the latest milestone for the princess, who has gradually returned to royal duties and last month restarted her international travel with a working trip to Italy. The fundraising link is available at www.royalmarsden.org/princessofwales.
