Princess Catherine looked unrecognisable on Three Peaks walk as a fellow hiker has taken to Instagram to share what the much-loved royal is really like. The 44-year-old celebrated finishing the intense challenge this weekend, with many of her relatives – including her three children – congratulating her at the finish line.

Taking to his Instagram account, Jacky Leung shared to his 5.5k followers: “Princess Catherine at the Ben! What an epic day at the Ben yesterday, with all the coincidences that happened, and finally had a f2f short conversation with Princess Catherine! [gold-crown emoji, shocked-face emoji and mind-blown emoji].

Firstly, paid attention to 2 cameramen walking uphill. One of them just set up a camera to shoot a very lean female hiker hiking up.”

He then added: “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.”

The hiker then followed up on what was said during their short interaction, including that he told Catherine she was “so inspiring”.

In response to the compliment, he revealed that Catherine modestly told him, “Thank you”.

Concluding the post, he added: “Then she power-walked up with 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. My friends did not notice her passing by at all.

“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!”

Following her amazing achievement, Catherine spoke about how cancer “profoundly affects every aspect of life”.

She also revealed that she undertook the Three Peaks “not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back”.