A family tribute and a winter safety reminder
Kensington Palace posted the couple's joint message on social media, thanking volunteers who devote their time to keeping people safe in difficult terrain. The previously unpublished photograph shows William and Catherine smiling with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis alongside local mountain rescue volunteers.
William serves as Royal Patron of Mountain Rescue England, whose volunteers the couple thanked, according to HELLO! Magazine.
The awareness day coincides with the clocks going back, a deliberate choice as darkness begins falling earlier, HELLO! reported. It reminds people heading into the mountains to prepare for winter conditions and bring essential safety equipment, including a flashlight.
Catherine's 24-hour challenge
Catherine completed the National Three Peaks Challenge in June 2026. Within 24 hours, she climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales. She undertook the climbs solo, with Mountain Rescue providing support along the routes, The Standard reported.
The journey required 23 miles of hiking and 462 miles of driving between the three locations, according to The Standard. The total ascent exceeded 10,000 feet; People, via Yahoo Entertainment, reported the precise figure as 10,052 feet, citing the challenge's website.
William and the children welcomed her at the finish, joined by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton. Kensington Palace said it believed no other member of the royal family had previously completed the challenge.
Support for cancer recovery
The challenge raised donations for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Catherine had received a diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024 and undergone chemotherapy before announcing in January 2025 that she was in remission, The Standard reported.
According to the fundraising page cited by People, the donations were directed toward a new center at The Royal Marsden focused on holistic well-being and recovery. The funds would also help develop a specialized program addressing the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of patients' recovery.
