A Scottish mountaineer has described his astonishment after realizing he was climbing Ben Nevis directly behind the Princess of Wales. Jacky Leung told 7NEWS that he was left speechless upon recognizing the royal figure, adding, “I could not really know what the proper names I should name her because I don’t want to be impolite.”
Princess Conquers Ben Nevis
The Princess of Wales successfully reached the summit of Scotland’s highest mountain as part of her completion of the National Three Peaks Challenge, an initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer research and support services. Leung recounted a brief conversation with the Princess, who inquired whether he had also made it to the top. “I said yes, we were very lucky to get to the top. And then she said, well done to me,” he revealed. “I said to her, ‘you were so inspiring’ and then she said ‘thank you.’ I was so happy. It was just mental.”
Stormy Conditions and Low-Key Presence
Leung noted that the weather during the royal climb was stormy, and the Princess kept a low profile by covering her face with a cap, making it unlikely that other climbers would recognize her. He observed no visible bodyguards accompanying her, though two camera operators were present. “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,” Leung said.
Princess Shares Personal Reflection
The Princess later posted a photo online from the summit of Ben Nevis, accompanied by a personal message. “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. 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.”
