A Scottish hiker got far more than a summit view on Ben Nevis last week. Jacky Leung was climbing Scotland’s highest mountain when he realized the person just behind him was Catherine, Princess of Wales. Leung told 7NEWS he was stunned.
“I could not really know what the proper names I should name her because I don’t want to be impolite,” he said. The Princess was climbing as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge.
That means scaling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales. The effort raises money for cancer research and support groups. Catherine posted a photo of herself at the summit.
In a statement, she wrote about her personal experience with cancer. “Cancer doesn’t just affect the body.
It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life,” she wrote. “I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.” The climb happened in stormy conditions. Leung said the Princess wore a cap that covered her face well.
Most other climbers probably never recognized her. He spoke with her. She asked if he had made it to the top.
He said yes, and that they were lucky to reach the summit. “Well done to me,” she told him.
Leung said, “You were so inspiring.” She replied, “Thank you.” “I was so happy. It was just mental,” Leung said. No bodyguards appeared to be with the Princess.
Two camera operators were present. Leung noted her demeanor.
“When she saw me, she tried her best to keep her smile, be very sincere, be very kind to me. It’s just so down to earth that experience,” he said. The Three Peaks Challenge is not a casual walk.
Ben Nevis stands 4,413 feet. Scafell Pike reaches 3,209 feet. Snowdon tops out at 3,560 feet.
Climbers typically aim to complete all three within 24 or 48 hours, including driving time between them. The total walking distance is roughly 23 miles, with more than 10,000 feet of ascent.
Catherine’s statement framed the challenge as more than physical. “I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore,” she wrote. Her public cancer journey began earlier this year.
She announced her diagnosis in March. Treatment details have remained private.
She has made limited public appearances since. The Ben Nevis climb marks one of her most strenuous reported activities since then. Leung’s encounter offers a rare unscripted view.
Most royal engagements follow strict protocols. This was a mountain trail in bad weather. No staff managing interactions.
Just a woman climbing and a hiker who recognized her. “She tried her best to keep her smile, be very sincere, be very kind to me,” Leung said.
“It’s just so down to earth.” The Princess’s decision to attempt the challenge publicly signals a gradual return to duties. It also highlights the fundraising cause she chose. Cancer research and support services face ongoing funding pressures.
A high-profile royal endorsement can drive donations. For Leung, the moment remains surreal.
He went up a mountain for the view. He came down with a story about the woman behind him on the trail. The one who said well done, thanked him, and kept climbing.
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