Heartwarming moment Princess Kate holds hands with younger brother James on mountain descent in rare sibling outing – watch


The Princess of Wales was given a supportive boost from her younger brother, James Middleton, as she descended Mount Snowdon during her 3 Peaks challenge


Eleanor Dye
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
1 hour ago
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The Princess of Wales was supported by her younger brother, James, on her descent from Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) over the weekend, new videos have revealed. 

In heartwarming footage shared on social media, Kate, 44, can be seen holding onto James's hand for support as she completed her gruelling Three Peaks challenge.

The Princess was seen wearing red North Face shorts, a sporty cap, and a rucksack with water as she and James, 39, came down the rocky path from the summit stone. 

The footage was captured by entrepreneur Phillip Tebajjwa, who was also climbing Snowdon at the weekend and thought he was "dreaming" after he bumped into the royal, who had also climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in Wales.

Posting on social media, he wrote: "There I was, congratulating fellow climbers as they made their way down from the windy summit… little did I know I was actually speaking to royalty."

The lucky climber also managed to get a selfie with the Princess at the summit, adding: "The Princess of Wales has just stopped to congratulate me on completing the challenge… and then agreed to take a selfie. 

Kate Middleton holds hands with James Middleton© Phillip Tebajjwa
The Princess of Wales held hands with her brother, James, as she descended Mount Snowdon

"At that moment, I could only think one thing… Am I actually dreaming?"

Sharing a windy video from the summit, he said: "Okay, back to reality. That must have been a dream!"

Princess of Wales supported by family after Snowdon descent 

At the time, it was shared that the Princess was met at the base of Snowdon by her family, including her husband, Prince William, and three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. 

Her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and younger brother, James, also met her to congratulate her.

Kate Middleton and James Middleton© Phillip Tebajjwa
Kate was wearing her red North Face shorts and her engagement ring from Prince William

However, it now appears that James wanted to go the extra mile to make sure his sister safely returned from her gruelling mountain challenge. 

While Kate completed the challenge solo, James helped escort her back to the base of the mountain. 

The expedition, which saw her climb three peaks over 24 hours, was to raise funds for the Royal Marsden, where she had her cancer treatment. 

Princess Kate in a baseball cap hiking up a mountian
Princess Kate took on the Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend

The Princess announced she was in remission from cancer at the start of 2025. 

James Middleton's message of support to sister Kate

After she completed the challenge, James commented two emojis – a mountain and a heart – underneath a photo of his sister at the top of Ben Nevis. 

James, who is also known to love hiking and the outdoors, seemed to be fulfilling a long-standing promise to Kate. 

He had shared a poignant message of support for his royal relative after she announced she would be undergoing chemotherapy treatment following her cancer diagnosis in 2024. 

Childhood photo of James Middleton and sister Kate© Instagram
James and Kate have a close bond

Sharing a childhood photo from a hiking trip, he wrote: "Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too."

James and Kate have always had a very strong bond, with the royal previously supporting her brother through his battle with depression. 

He previously told HELLO! that he felt like he had "three mothers" growing up – the family's matriarch, Carole, as well as sisters Pippa and Kate. 

James, who lives in Berkshire, is married to Alizee Thevenet, and the couple share a two-year-old son, Inigo.

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