NEED TO KNOW
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Kate Middleton has revealed that the donations well-wishers have made to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity helped her get through the “harder times” of her charity challenge last month
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The Princess of Wales completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in support of the charity at the end of June, climbing the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales
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Kate shared her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024, announcing six months later that she had completed chemotherapy and in January 2025 that she was in remission
Kate Middleton has revealed what helped her get through her mountain-climbing charity challenge last month.
The Princess of Wales, 44, completed the National Three Peaks Challenge to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity at the end of June.
The challenge saw Kate climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales — Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon — in the space of 24 hours.
She was captured discussing the challenge with former tennis pros Tim Henman and Debbie Jevans, also the chair of the All England Lawn Tennis Club — of which Kate is royal patron — at Wimbledon on Thursday, July 2, for the tournament’s Overheard at Wimbledon social media series.
Kate Middleton speaking to Debbie Jevans and Tim Henman at Wimbledon
Credit: Wimbledon/Instagram
Henman asked the princess about her preparation and the stress of completing the three peaks in 24 hours, to which she replied, “I think part of the journey was trying to enjoy the process. Like, the training beforehand, but also making time during the walk to meet people and enjoy the journey, rather than just quickly getting to the top.”
Kate also reflected on the “atrocious” weather, explaining that everybody climbing at the same time got “soaked through.”
Kate Middleton speaking to Debbie Jevans and Tim Henman at Wimbledon
Credit: Wimbledon/Instagram
The princess continued, “It was a very sort of stoically British thing to do. You know, you’re soaking wet, and everyone’s going, ‘Come on, we can do it.’ “
She explained that she was “blown away” by the donations made to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, and that they helped her when the climb became tricky.
“Everyone’s been so generous,” she revealed. “That’s what keeps you going; it’s when you know you’re doing it for a good cause — it keeps you going through the harder times.”
Kate Middleton speaking to a patient and his family at Evelina London Children’s Hospital
Credit: Alastair Grant – WPA Pool / Getty
Kate announced in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer herself and would be withdrawing from the public eye for a while.
Six months later, the mom of three shared that she had completed chemotherapy, and she revealed that she was in remission in January 2025.
18 months later, she became the first member of the royal family to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge.
Kate Middleton with her family after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge
Credit: princeandprincessofwales/Instagram
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After she completed the mission on Sunday, June 28, she was met by her family, including her husband Prince William, 44, and their children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.
Kate and William shared photos of the touching moment on Instagram a week later, writing: “This time last week, completing the National Three Peaks Challenge. A huge thank you to everybody who has supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”