The Princess of Wales embraced her husband and children at the foot of Snowdon in newly-released photographs marking the end of her gruelling Three Peaks Challenge – a solo endurance feat that Kensington Palace said was a royal first.
Kate, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024 and underwent chemotherapy before announcing she was in remission in January 2025, scaled the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) – within 24 hours last weekend, starting on Saturday evening. She was supported along the route by Mountain Rescue.
“Kate hugged by William and children at Snowdon after completing Three Peaks Challenge alone.”
The images, shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales's social media, show Kate being greeted by the Prince of Wales and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, along with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton. In one picture she hugs her husband; in another she wraps her arms around Charlotte. Further photographs show her with an arm around George, holding hands with Louis, and chatting with her family. The final image features Kate alongside her parents, brother and his dog.
The caption accompanying the post reads: “This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge. A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.” Kate undertook the challenge to raise money for a cancer charity and “explore life beyond diagnosis”.
While climbing Ben Nevis, Kate met Ted, an 11-year-old wheelchair user who was completing the same challenge with the help of his family and friends, raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity supporting children with serious illnesses. On Monday, Kate donated to Ted’s cause on JustGiving, leaving a message that read: “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 JustGiving page, set up by Ted’s father, Pete Haslam, has so far raised more than £11,000. The page description says: “Ted is a wheelchair user – but that’s never been the thing that defines him. Determination does.”
The princess’s achievement marks what Kensington Palace believes is the first time a member of the royal family has completed the Three Peaks Challenge. As Kate gradually returns to royal duties – including supporting the King at state visits to the UK and a working trip to Italy in May – the images offer a rare, intimate glimpse of a future queen celebrating a deeply personal milestone with those closest to her.