The Princess of Wales has spoken about how cancer “profoundly affects every aspect of life” as she celebrated completing the Three Peaks challenge this weekend. Catherine, who revealed she was in remission from cancer in January 2025, undertook the endurance event after the country’s heatwave “not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back”.

The Princess climbed one of the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland, which involves 23 miles of walking, 3,064m of vertical climbing and 462 miles of driving between the locations. A photograph of her at the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday night was released to celebrate the achievements, with the Princess wrapped up against the elements in a black rain jacket with its hood up, a baseball cap and a rucksack on her back.

In a message shared by Kensington Palace on Sunday, the Princess said she embarked on the challenge to raise awareness of the wider impact serious illness can have on a person’s life. She also did it to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, where she received her chemotherapy after her diagnosis.

Catherine said: “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, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.”

She went on to explain why her solo challenge was so important to her recovery, saying: “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.”

The money raised will go towards improving access to holistic healthcare, as she is passionate about supporting the whole person alongside clinical treatment.

Holistic care includes psychological and spiritual support, physical activity, nutrition, complementary approaches and time spent in nature. It plays a critical role in helping patients to tolerate their treatment and enhance recovery.

These therapies enable patients to take a more active role in their care, promoting choice and awareness of what works for them.

Catherine wants to ensure that people facing cancer feel seen, supported and know that they are not alone.

The Princess climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon on Saturday evening and completed it within 24 hours.

She achieved it alone, supported on route by Mountain Rescue and was greeted by her husband, three children, parents and brother as she completed the challenge.

They were all waiting at the base of Mount Snowdon.

The Princess concluded her message by saying: “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.”

Catherine was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer at the start of 2024 and undertook six months of chemotherapy.

She has now resumed a normal schedule of engagements and travelled to Italy on her first official overseas visit last month.