London (CNN) – — Catherine, Princess of Wales, completed the grueling Three Peaks Challenge in Britain over the weekend to support the hospital where she underwent cancer treatment two years ago.
She said she took on the endurance challenge, which involves climbing the three highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours, to support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, a specialist cancer center in Chelsea, west London.
“A lot of people have asked me why I am doing this challenge,” she said in a video message posted on Sunday. “It’s partly personal, and I’m so grateful to be here, and to be strong enough to walk these hills.”
“But more importantly, it’s giving back and recognizing all the great work that’s going on in this country.”
Kate (44 years old) announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer and that she was undergoing chemotherapy in March 2024, two months after undergoing major abdominal surgery. About a year later, she announced that she was in remission.
Since then, she has slowly returned to her royal duties. She was deeply involved in promoting the work of the Royal Marsden, and sought to support people affected by cancer. Last year, Kensington Palace announced her appointment as joint patron of the cancer charity alongside her husband, Prince William.
“I’ve met some amazing people, these people who are living with cancer and beyond,” she said. “I know personally how difficult this journey has been, and I really wanted to use this opportunity as a way to contribute to all the great work that is going on.”
Kate undertook the Three Summits Challenge, which involves climbing a total of 3,064 meters (10,052 feet), alone, and was then welcomed by William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as her parents and brother Michael, Carole and James Middleton.
She said in a statement issued by Kensington Palace that by completing a challenge like this, she hoped to “explore life beyond diagnosis,” because cancer “changes the way you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life.”
Because of these holistic influences, Kate advocates “holistic care” that supports a patient’s mental, social, and spiritual, as well as physical, health.
Alongside her statement, Kate released a fundraising link for the public to donate to the Royal Marsden.
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