The Princess of Wales shares an unseen family photo reflecting on her Three Peaks Challenge

The Princess of Wales has shared an unseen family photo to mark Mountain Rescue Awareness Day. Catherine and Prince William posted a joint Instagram message on Sunday to celebrate the occasion, championing the work of those who keep hikers safe on the nation’s highest summits.

The sweet snapshot, starring the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, was from the day that Catherine completed the Three Peaks Challenge in summer, with the future queen reminiscing on the milestone achievement in her caption.

‘On Mountain Rescue Awareness Day, we send our heartfelt thanks to all those who volunteer their time and expertise to keep people safe in some of our most beautiful but challenging landscapes,’ the royal couple wrote.

‘Through our connection with this remarkable organisation, we have seen first-hand the dedication, professionalism and compassion that define their work.’

The Princess of Wales then reflected on meeting with the local mountain rescue teams who helped her during her Three Peaks Challenge this summer, which saw her climb the three tallest mountains in the country in 24 hours to raise money and awareness for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she underwent chemotherapy treatment.

‘Meeting local mountain rescue teams during the Three Peaks Challenge this summer was an opportunity to say thank you in person for the vital role they play in keeping walkers and climbers safe on the mountains all year round,’ the caption read.

‘We are incredibly proud to support the extraordinary volunteers who respond in all conditions, often at a moment’s notice, to help others when they need it most. To everyone across the mountain rescue community, thank you for your unwavering commitment, courage and service.’

The caption was signed off ‘W&C’, indicating that the message was written by Prince William and Catherine themselves.

The Princess of Wales went into more detail on her decision to complete the Challenge in an Instagram video on 30 June. ‘I have committed to the National Three Summits Challenge not only as a physical challenge, but as an opportunity to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give back to the community,’ the future queen explained at the time.

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‘The Royal Marsden is a very meaningful place to me, whose care and expertise transform the lives of so many people,’ she said, hoping to ‘raise awareness of the profound impact of serious illnesses and the importance of comprehensive healthcare.’

She went on to explain how important completing the challenge had been in her own recovery journey, writing: ‘Healing, whether personal or collective, isn't just about fixing what's wrong. It's about finding balance in how we live. Between striving and accepting, between control and trusting, between thinking and simply being. Because, in the end, courage isn't just about moving forward. It's about knowing how to stay grounded, connected, and present, no matter the terrain or landscape we're traversing.’

This sweet throwback picture, posted as Prince George looks forward to returning home for Christmas after his first term at Eton, will surely be a reminder for Catherine of how important family has been during her cancer journey, too.