The Princess of Wales has climbed many mountains in life, both figuratively and literally. Her latest was conquering Scotland, England and Wales’ highest peaks. Within 24 hours, the royal mom of three completed the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves walking 23 miles and ascending 10,052 feet.
Before secretly climbing the mountains of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, the Princess, 44, filmed a video that was released after she successfully finished the challenge. “Lots of people have asked me why I’m doing this challenge, and partly – it’s personal. I’m so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills. But, more importantly, it’s to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country,” Catherine said in the video.
“I’ve met some incredible people – those people who are living with and beyond cancer – and I know personally how difficult that journey is,” she continued. “And I really wanted to use this opportunity as my way of contributing to all the wonderful work that’s going on, and in particular to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – an organisation very dear to me, but who do extraordinary work supporting those living with and beyond the disease.”
Catherine is determined to stay ‘well and healthy’
The Princess, who underwent months of chemotherapy treatment in 2024, took on the grueling challenge to highlight the importance of holistic care and to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which “holds great meaning” for her. In the video shot before the challenge, Catherine appears “defiant in the face of the illness,” according to body language expert Inbaal Honigman.
“Catherine starts her video using strong, stable body language, her shoulders are squared and she stands at her full height, showing how well she feels. But soon her memories creep back, and within a few seconds, she starts to lower her eyes, gazing to the side,” Inbaal tells HELLO!. “This glance indicates that she remembers her tough times, and although her smile remains upbeat and genuine, we see her chin rise a little. This raised chin is a defiant move, she is determined that she will stay well and healthy. She’s defiant in the face of the illness.”
Hints of nervousness and empathy
“Fidgeting and picking in her fingers a bit, those memories are causing her a little bit of nervousness. The Princess holds her hands in front of her body, in a protective stance, covering her middle, as she feels a little vulnerable,” Inbaal adds.
“Catherine’s brow furrows as she thinks of the worrying situations, of the people she has met. Her head tilts to the side with empathy, and her eyebrows lower in empathy, too. When her smile drops here and there, it means that the Princess is gathering her thoughts, separating the tragedies from the victories which she has encountered.”
Kensington Palace revealed on Sunday that Catherine had completed the challenge, sharing a photo of the Princess smiling brightly at the top of Ben Nevis. “Catherine’s authentic smile lights up her whole face. We know the smile to be true because it involves rounded cheeks and narrowed eyes, as well as full view of all her gleaming teeth,” Inbaal observes. “The Princess places both hands on the stone in front of her, which is a show of assisted stability.”
Inbaal notes that the royal’s pose says: ‘I’m perfectly comfortable in asking for help and leaning on this rock, you too can be equally comfortable in asking for help and leaning on others.” Per the body language expert, “This subtle message shows that the Princess appreciates that she’s a role model to many, and has important advice to share with others living with and beyond the disease.”
The reason behind her physical challenge
In a personal message, which accompanied the picture, the Princess of Wales revealed that she undertook the Three Peaks Challenge “not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.”
“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 said.
The Princess also pointed out that “healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, 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 are walking through.”
Catherine concluded her message, stating: “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.”
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