The Princess of Wales hit headlines this week for completing an impressive trek, taking on the National Three Peaks challenge. A video showed The Princess chatting with an 11-year who she met along her way, who was raising money for charity. After returning from the hike, Kate chose to make a quiet donation and left a moving message of support for the 'inspirational' boy, named Ted.
The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, usually within 24 hours or a set time limit; Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). In a personal social media post, Kate explained that she chose to embark on the trek not only as a 'physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.'
On route, the Princess of Wales crossed paths with 11-year-old Ted who was being helped over the rocky terrain in his wheelchair. 'How are you doing Ted? You're not too cold?' Kate said. 'It's not great weather is it? So many people are still in their t-shirts!' Ted told The Princess it was his first time doing the journey and, speaking later on BBC radio, added that it had been an 'amazing and incredible' experience to meet her. Ted was joined on the expedition by his dad, Pete, and various family members.
You can see the video and photos from the encounter, shared on a royal fan account below:
Ted and his family were completing the challenge to raise money for Molly Olly's Wishes, which supports children with life threatening illnesses, and their families. Inspired by Ted's commitment, The Princess of Wales made a donation to Ted's cause and included a personal message to the 11-year-old [you can donate here], listing her undisclosed donation under the name Catherine Wales.
Choosing to leave a personal message, Kate wrote, 'One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way. Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause. C'
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Speaking alongside his son, Ted, on the radio, Pete also shared his experience of meeting Kate. He said that, initially, he was at the back of the group and didn't know who people had stopped to speak to. 'A good 30 seconds must have passed before they called me forward,' he said. 'I was just dumbfounded.'
He described the Princess as 'lovely,' saying she was 'very motherly to Ted, asking all the questions a mum would ask, seeing if he was warm enough, if he'd got some sleep after the first mountain, and it was lovely.' He added that they passed her again the next morning and she waved and remembered Ted's name.
