'Recovery is rarely a journey we make alone': Kate's inspirational message to boy, 11, in wheelchair she met on gruelling trek up mountain
Kate hosted fellow Three Peaks challenge fundraisers at Windsor Castle last Tuesday
The Princess of Wales has said “recovery is rarely a journey we make alone” after inviting fellow Three Peaks Challenge adventurers for tea at Windsor Castle.
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Kate took on the gruelling task to raise funds for a cancer charity, and some of the fundraisers she met along the way enjoyed afternoon tea at the King’s Berkshire home last Tuesday.
The princess, who announced in January 2025 she was in remission from cancer, is seen in a social media video sitting down with her guests, including schoolboy Ted Haslam, a wheelchair user who completed the challenge with the help of family and friends.
In a written message accompanying the post, Kate said: “It was a pleasure to welcome other Three Peaks Challenge participants and their families to Windsor Castle.
“Behind every summit was a personal story of resilience, determination and hope.
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“Listening to their experiences of the challenge and their reasons for taking it on was a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely a journey we make alone, and of the importance of the people who walk alongside us along the way. C”
In June, the future Queen completed the Three Peaks Challenge in a surprise feat of endurance to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and “explore life beyond diagnosis”.
After climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours, she later revealed on social media she took on the challenge not only as a physical endeavour but “to give something back” and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness.
While climbing Ben Nevis, she came across 11-year-old Ted raising money for Molly Olly’s Wishes, a charity which supports children with serious illnesses.
The princess donated to Ted’s cause on Just Giving, and left a message which 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.”
Among the guests was record-breaker Trish Patterson who become the fastest woman to complete the challenge on foot, running between the peaks and finishing in five days and 21 hours.
She completed her mammoth effort a few days after Kate and raised money for Mind Over Mountains, in memory of a close friend.
Shaun McCormick, who met Kate at the start of her challenge, also enjoyed tea with the princess after taking on the challenge to fundraise for his friend’s nephew, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
The challenge covers 23 miles (37km) and 3,064 metres (10,052ft) of ascent, with the royal completing the challenge within the allotted 24 hours.
Kate carried out the challenge solo, supported en route by Mountain Rescue.