Hello, and welcome to a post covering a visit the Princess and Prince George made to RAF Coningsby. We’ll also cover news about the Princess completing the National Three Peaks Challenge, a 23-mile trek climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, Wales, and England in 24 hours.
We begin with the joint engagement with Prince George at RAF Coningsby, a Royal Air Force base about three hours north of Windsor. The Princess is the Honorary Air Commodore of the base, a position she has held since 2023. 
Kensington Palace released a video of the visit this past Saturday, Armed Forces Day. 
We learn more from this piece in The Times.
The footage posted on Instagram shows George in the cockpit of a Spitfire fighter, laughing and watching over his shoulder as the elevators on the plane’s wings moved.
The Princess watching her son in the cockpit of an historic Spitfire. 
We return to The Times story.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team, the RAF operation that keeps a number of historic aircraft airworthy for public and state events, is based at Coningsby. Its planes include five Spitfire and two Hurricane fighters, as well as a Lancaster bomber.
Another view of the Princess. 
The text accompanying the video pays tribute to Britain’s servicemen and servicewomen.
Marking Armed Forces Day by reflecting on time spent with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive. A powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve, past and present. Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve.
Here is the full 30-second video.
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
Marking Armed Forces Day by reflecting on time spent with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive. A… pic.twitter.com/gXhRDcBj8A
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 27, 2026
We now turn to the Princess’s success in tackling the Three Peaks Challenge. Google describes it as “one of the UK’s ultimate outdoor endurance events, requiring participants to summit the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours.” Below, a photo of the Princess at the Ben Nevis summit in Scotland. 
Here are the stats for the challenge.
The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft) – twice the ascent of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, over a similar total walking distance. The total driving distance is 462 miles.
We learn more from The Guardian’s coverage.
The Princess of Wales has completed the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for a cancer charity, becoming the first member of the royal family to achieve the feat.
Catherine, 44, revealed in a message on social media she had successfully taken on the trek not only as a physical endeavour but “to give something back” and raise awareness of the wider impact of serious illness.
In addition to the expedition’s fundraising element, it was clearly a personal challenge for the future Queen. Patricia Treble’s Write Royalty column offers more.
Kate is the charity’s co-chair and she underwent her chemotherapy treatments at that famous cancer hospital in London.
In January 2025, she announced she was in remission. Since then, she has talked about the hard impact that cancer had on her, both physically and mentally, even today.
Along the way, she met an 11-year-old boy named Ted Haslam.
We learn about Ted from this BBC story published before the 11-year-old and his father, with family and friends, started the climb.
A dad plans to complete the Three Peaks Challenge while carrying his paraplegic son in his wheelchair. Pete Haslam, alongside 15 friends and family, will push and carry 11-year-old Ted along on the 23-mile trek across three mountains in England, Scotland and Wales.
The two-day challenge will raise money for children’s charity Molly Ollys, which donated play equipment to Ted.
Below, the Princess speaking with Ted. 
This article from The Daily Mirror has more.
A clip on social media showed Kate bumping into the group at the top of Ben Nevis and taking time out to speak to Ted, who was diagnosed with an aggressive spinal tumour at the age of three – and was raising money for children’s charity Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with life-limiting illnesses by helping make their wishes come true and bringing moments of joy during difficult times.
The princess asked him: “How are you doing, Ted? You’re not too cold? So many people are stood in their T-shirts! Why are they doing that?!”
She then spotted a toy Ted was carrying and asked: “Who’s this, is that your lucky mascot? Has it got a name?” before she was told it was a mascot for Molly Ollys.
Another view of Ted all bundled up. 
Here is a video posted on Instagram by BBC Birmingham.
View this post on Instagram
Hubert Mensah, who works in emergency services, posted on his LinkedIn page about meeting the Princess while doing the challenge. He shared a photo of his group’s team leader, Phillip Tebajjwa, with the Princess on Mount Snowdon. 
From Mr. Mensah’s post:
We started in Scotland, made our way to England, and finally finished in Wales. Each of us had our own personal reasons for why this challenge meant so much. A group of people from different backgrounds, religions, races, and walks of life came together with one shared goal, to complete the Three Peaks as a team.
Whilst completing the challenge within a 24-hour window, we were incredibly fortunate to come across HRH The Princess of Wales, who was also taking on the Three Peaks for charity, for The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Seeing her on this journey was truly inspiring. As a woman, a mother, and a human being, she represents strength, courage, and determination. Knowing she has faced her own battle with cancer, made that moment even more powerful. She even took the time to take a photo with our team leader Phillip Tebajjwa at the summit of mount Snowden.
The Princess also met a climber named Jacky Leung while at Ben Nevis. He posted about the encounter on his Instagram account. 
Here is Mr. Leung’s full post, including a video.
View this post on Instagram
The Princess taped a highly personal message explaining her reasons for taking on the challenge before she got underway. Below is the text accompanying the video. 
The Telegraph reports, “She walked alone and was greeted at the base of Snowdon on Sunday evening by Prince William, their three children, her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother, James Middleton. She was given logistical and navigational support from Mountain Rescue.”
Here is the Princess’s video explaining her reasons for taking on the challenge.
The National Three Peaks Challenge. ⁰⁰Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.⁰ ⁰Please know you are not alone.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 28, 2026
And the full text of her comments in the video via Write Royalty.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear. What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally, and that the journey through and beyond treatment requires more than medicine alone.
I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back. The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people.
Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare. Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time.
We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.
This challenge will support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, helping to transform access to, and understanding of, holistic care that will enhance recovery and healing for patients across the UK.
Healing, whether personal or collective, is not just about fixing what is wrong. It is about finding balance in how we live. Between effort and acceptance, between control and trust, between thinking and simply being. Because in the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.
Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported.
Please know you are not alone.
C
Here is a link to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s site for anyone interested in reading more or donating. 
And the charity’s statement on the Princess’s accomplishment. 
Now for our look at what Kate wore for the two engagements. Below, the Princess speaking with a serviceman at RAF Coningsby. 
Her new blazer, seen during the RAF Coningsby, is a Max Mara design, the brand’s Wool-Cotton Jacquard Jersey Checked Blazer ($1442), a double-breasted style with a slim fit, welted front pockets, a center-back vent, and horn buttons. 
The fabric is a blend of 70% virgin wool and 30% cotton in a Prince of Wales check pattern. Initially I thought it must have been terribly warm to wear during the heat wave the UK is dealing with, but The Times notes in its story the video was shot about two weeks ago. Thank you to Kate’s RepliKates for this ID.
It’s possible the trousers worn with the jacket are her Joseph ‘Coleman’ Stretch Trousers ($465).
She also wore her Pretty Ballerinas Ella Marrones Ante Loafers. 
And her Kiki McDonough Gold/Diamond Hoops with her Pearl Drops by Annoushka, seen in these photos when worn at previous engagements. 
In some photos, you can see the Princess wearing a gold bracelet. Carly at Kate Middleton Style suggests it may be Merci Maman’s Personalized Birthstone Chain Bracelet.
For the Three Peaks Challenge, the Princess sported the Harkila Sandhem Pro Insulated Cardigan ($390), described this way on the House of Bruar site: “Crafted from durable yet soft wool blend, this cardigan features a feminine cut that flatters the figure while providing reliable protection against the chill. The torso is lined with Thermo Poly Shield, a lightweight insulation that is both quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Micro suede and corduroy accents add a touch of sophistication…”. 
The piece features a two-way front zipper, zippered side pockets, and micro suede and corduroy accents. Thank you to Middleton Maven for a fab ID on this one.
The Princess wore Fjällräven’s Est 1960 Cap ($45) in Dark Navy, made of 65% recycled polyester and 35% cotton. She also carried the brand’s Lappland Hike 15 Backpack (£195, roughly $260 at today’s exchange rates) in Dark Olive.
Thank you to Royal British Fashion and Royal Fashion Police for these IDs.
She repeated her Spells of Love Garnet Teardrop Charm Hoops ($125), shown below as worn on a previous occasion.
I expect we’ll see the Princess at Wimbledon soon! The Championships officially got underway today.
CAWI
Monday 6th of July 2026
@Bonnie I’m not sure, but the press today when sharing the Three Peaks end photo with James seemed to suggest that he’d accompanied his big sister on the hike.
ElizaMo
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
It’s such a delight to see Catherine getting out and being so active. This year's annual trek to RAF Coningsby with George has been much enlivened by seeing how tall the 12-year-old young man has grown, I’ve seen some delightful shots taken of them laughing while standing back-to-back
I think the new jacket looks very snazzy on Catherine and I’m so pleased to see a slim fit from MaxMara on it, I’m keen to see boxy jackets relegated to history. Given Catherine’s fondness for jackets, it is perhaps tricky to see exactly what is new about this one, but the check pattern has been colourfully done with black lines and tan on a grey background. I love seeing the Kiki Mcdonough Hoops and Annoushka Baroque Pearl Drops back on duty. The slim-leg black pants and Pretty Ballerinas tan flats keep her looking smart while at the RAF as well as feminine.
As for hauling herself up three steep summits in succession over a single weekend, the Princess has proved her energy levels are back at exemplary levels. The Harkila Sandham Pro Insulated Cardigan looks very smart as well as practical, a useful layer on misty hillsides in June. It’s very fetching that she should have a toning cap from Fjallraven, plus the handy backpack, presumably to cope with quick changes needed as the weather varies. The pretty Welsh Garnet Teardrop Charm Hoops are a fine complement to walking gear. My one puzzle is that in pictures, like the one of Catherine at the trig point above, she seems to be wearing a hooded jacket, so I assume she has waterproofs with her and I have seen no ID of these. She looked like she may have had waterproof trousers as well.
Just a small aside. I was a little surprised to see the eco-conscious royals embrace the inevitable carbon footprint that has to accompany this hillwalking challenge since to reach all three peaks in 24 hours involves an 11-hour slog along motorways, a bit of a comedown from all those wide open slopes. Further, maintenance cost of the pathways used by enthusiastic hikers is in danger of exceeding the amounts raised for charity. It’s always a difficult balance between nature and human enthusiasm.
Sue V
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
Well, we all knew George is catching Catherine up at an astonishing rate! What a lovely engagement with the 2 of them. I too thought the jacket was a re-wear, but now I think the other one some of us were thinking about had a bkue stripe in it? This one is definitely brown, hence the brown shoes perhaps? Anyway, I like it.
Although only posted on the Friday it certainly makes sense that it was actually earlier. On Friday our intrepid 3Peaker would have been packing her gear and /or heading for Scotland to be ready for the evening climb start on Saturday.
It so makes sense to try doing it in June or so with the long light days but the weather in all those regions changes on a sixpence as we see in Catherine's Ben Nevis photo. I'm no great shakes at trekking and the like but I did do Scafell Pike once, in a May. Sun, wind, bit of drizzle, sleet, hail, sun, all both up and down, as well as jumping out of my skin by some low flying RAF planes! Walking on the screen on Scafell is pretty treacherous (the other two no doubt similar) so absolute hats off to our Catherine and huge congratulations for doing it in under 24 hours, I gather,. As for Pete Haslam and his friends and family carrying Ted up the peaks leaves one speechless. These glimpses give one hope in our current sorry world.
Lindsey A
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
My favourite thing about her completing the Three Peaks Challenge is that it puts to rest any lingering concerns anyone might have had about her health and fitness after her diagnosis and treatment. She's got to be back in peak (pun very much intended) physical condition to even consider attempting it, much less to complete it.
In saying that, the cardigan/jacket she wore while doing it looks like a wonderful piece!
Also loving her and George visiting the Spitfires. As a Brit, whose granddad served with the RAF in Canada during WWII, I find that every time I see one of them I turn into an emotional fan-girl, which I'd never have expected over a piece of machinery! The blazer outfit for that visit was a solid, serviceable one - not necessarily particularly exciting, but practical for all the climbing around. The sort of outfit any mam/mum/mom would wear on an outing like this.
Mae McP
Thursday 2nd of July 2026
@admin, My late father was a bit too young for military service during WWII but he had a lifelong love for the aircraft from that war. Our family visited many air museums over the years, including the RAF Museum outside of London at Colindale. We are all Yanks and he donated when the American Air Museum (dedicated to the American "MIghty Eighth" Army Airforce) was built at Duxford, outside of Cambridge. We visited the museum in 1997 and attended an air show. He had seen many static displays of Spitfires (his absolute favorite airplane of all time) but he had never seen one fly in person. I will never forget the look on his face when two of them made a low pass over the airfield on a beautiful Sunday October afternoon during the show. It warms my heart to this very day. Miss you Dad.
Apologies for going off fashion topics.
admin
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
I'm also someone who turns into a gelatinous mass when seeing WWII veterans and associated things. My father was in the US Navy in the South Pacific. That generation was something else altogether.
Zell
Wednesday 1st of July 2026
When I first saw this post and learned about what Catherine had done - this extraordinary physical and mental feat (emotional and Spiritual too), I felt such Admiration for The Princess of Wales, even more than what I already had felt.
Catherine is a Warrior! To do what she's done takes immense courage snd strength, both inner and outer.
One can see, also, especially in the photos, that the National Three Peaks Challenge has been a very heartwarming accomplishment for The Princess.
I feel, in all this, that Catherine, in climbing those peaks, has, symbolically shown that, someday, cancer will not be the foe it currently is (even with all the new treatments, and the idea of living with cancer, when possible, for a long time, just as one does with any chronic illness).
I'm particularly touched by these words from Catherine, about cancer treatment:
"Every individual is different, and ensuring there is a whole person approach to care enables those living through cancer to manage the deeply personal challenge of diagnosis. Holistic therapies complement clinical pathways and support patients’ ability to maintain their wellbeing, resilience and quality of life during an exceptionally difficult time."
I have fear for the treatments of cancer, as much as for the disease of cancer, itself.
I fear, as well, the very cold and clinical way, that people are often subjected to with such treatments (and, also, how sterile and cold hospitals and medical offices look and how that affects people.
Catherine shows that the Whole Person matters just as much as their illness, and, that a Holistic approach is very important, but I'm doubtful that most can have access to such care. Still, it is Very Important that Catherine, The Princess of Wales, acknowledges and champions the ideal that The Whole Person matters, and that holistic treatments are helpful and important too, along with more mainstream, clinical treatments.
On a lighter note, the photo of The Princess of Wales with her son, Prince George is Wonderful! They seem to share a very close and loving bond. Catherine, also, looks quite chic in her casual outfit, and I particularly love the blazer!
I must say that I really love the photo of George, looking back at the wings of the plane he is in, because he looks So Much like Diana, Princess of Wales, his grandmother on his father's side, the Amazing woman he, sadly, never got to meet.
The resemblance to Diana is really something to see, and I do see it, most especially in that close up photo of George, looking back at the wings.
I'm very happy to see that resemblance because Diana is one of my Heroes. She may not be for everyone, but I have always had the deepest admiration for her, and, I also feel that, for Catherine, too.