The Princess of Wales was wrapped in the arms of her husband and children at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) last week, new photographs released on Sunday show, marking the end of a gruelling 24-hour endurance feat that saw her climb the three highest peaks in Britain. Catherine, 44, completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – the hospital where she was treated for cancer after her diagnosis in March 2024. She revealed she was in remission at the start of 2025.
The images, posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s Instagram account, show the princess hugging the Prince of Wales, her arms around Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince George, and holding hands with Prince Louis. Her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James Middleton, along with a golden retriever, also joined the reunion at the finish line.
“Princess Catherine hugs family after completing Three Peaks Challenge for Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
“A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity,” the caption read. Kensington Palace said they believe Catherine is the first member of the Royal Family to complete the challenge, which involved climbing Ben Nevis (1,345m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) within 24 hours, trekking 23 miles and travelling 462 miles by road. She was supported en route by Mountain Rescue.
Before the challenge, Catherine said it was a “chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back”. In a statement afterwards, she said: “Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. … 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’re walking through.”
Her brother James also shared an emotional post on Instagram, writing: “Two years ago, I told you we’d climb this mountain together. We talked about climbing mountains while you were in hospital, and about the incredible healing power that nature can have for both the body and the mind.” He added: “Seeing how far you’ve come is nothing short of inspiring. Your strength, resilience, and determination … inspire me and so many others every single day.”
During her ascent of Ben Nevis, Catherine met Ted, an 11-year-old wheelchair user who was tackling the same challenge with his family and friends to raise money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity supporting children with serious illnesses. On Monday, she donated to his JustGiving page, leaving a message: “One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to Ted, Pete and the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause.” The page, set up by Ted’s father Pete Haslam, has raised more than £11,000.
The princess ended her own fundraiser post by directing supporters to donate to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, describing the hospital as “a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.”