Britain's Kate, Princess of Wales, successfully scaled the United Kingdom's three highest mountain peaks within 24 hours to raise funds for cancer research, Kensington Palace announced Saturday. The feat, which took place on June 27, raised over £1 million for the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, a cancer treatment and research center.
What Happened
The Princess, 44, ascended Ben Nevis in Scotland (1,345 meters), Scafell Pike in England (978 meters), and Snowdon in Wales (1,085 meters) consecutively, starting at dawn on Friday. She was accompanied by a team of four guides and two security personnel, according to palace officials. The climb was completed in 23 hours and 45 minutes, with only short breaks for nutrition and hydration.
Details of the Challenge
Kate began at the base of Ben Nevis at 5 a.m. on Friday, reaching the summit in 4 hours and 20 minutes. She then traveled by helicopter to Scafell Pike, completing that ascent in 3 hours and 50 minutes. The final leg, Snowdon, was climbed in 4 hours and 10 minutes. The total distance covered was approximately 42 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of over 3,400 meters.
"This challenge was physically and mentally demanding, but the cause is so important," Kate said in a statement. "Every step was for those fighting cancer and the incredible staff at the Royal Marsden." Her husband, Prince William, and their three children greeted her at the base of Snowdon.
Impact and Fundraising
The climb has already raised £1.2 million, with donations still coming in, according to the charity. The funds will support clinical trials and new treatments for rare cancers. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust treats over 60,000 patients annually and has been a patron of the Princess for several years.
Kate has a history of charitable climbing; in 2018, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the same cause. This latest effort comes amid her continued advocacy for cancer awareness and early detection. The palace confirmed the Princess is in good health and resting at her Norfolk home.
