Baffled hiker reveals what Princess Kate said to him as she completes extreme Three Peaks challenge

When you're setting out for a hike, the last thing you expect to see at the pinnacle is a member of the Royal family.

That's what happened for one 'confused' man though, after bumping into the Princess of Wales on Ben Nevis of all places.

Princess Catherine was completing the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, and their paths crossed near the top of Britain's highest mountain.

Fans are delighted to know that the Princess is doing so well, as this strenuous test of physical fitness comes after he recent well-documented cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The hiker, Jacky Leung, posted on Instagram how he shared a few words with the future Queen, after spotting two camera operators walking up a hill, before stopping to photograph a 'very lean female hiker' and realising who it was.

He said he told Kate she is 'so inspiring', and she reportedly replied with her congratulations to him for also completing the feat.

Leung was left 'speechless' and said he 'could not respond with any proper names to greet her', and was feeling all of the emotions.

The hiker explained that he was 'so confused and so psyched at that split-second', to see her there, before she asked if he was alright.

He said he was 'good' but was just waiting for his friends.

The Princess reportedly asked: "Did you make it to the top?" To which Leung replied: "Yeah, we were lucky to get it to the top."

According to the hiker, Kate responded: "Well done!"

He thanked her and said she was so inspiring, to which the Princess of Wales also responded with thanks, before she 'power-walked up with very strong spirit'.

The hiker said that 'not many people recognised Her Royal Highness as she made her way up to the top', and he felt lucky to have done so.

"My friends did not notice her at all!" He added, before continuing: "Completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours is a serious test of grit, and her Royal Highness showed immense strength and spirit."

The Challenge involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales, which are Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

The Princess completed it within 24 hours, after starting on Saturday evening.

Leung said all in all it was an 'epic day' and offered 'deepest respect to Her Royal Highness for such an incredible feat of endurance!'

Kensington Palace said the Princess undertook the expedition for 'personal' reasons and to raise money for a cancer charity and 'explore life beyond diagnosis'.

She was greeted at the end of her challenge by her husband, Prince William, their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton.

Kensington Palace also believe the Princess is the first member of the royal family to ever complete the Three Peaks.

They shared a photo of her achievement with the caption: "Congratulations to The Princess of Wales."

Kate said the trek was in order 'to give something back', and in a new video said she has met some 'incredible people' living with and beyond cancer.

She added: "I know personally how difficult that journey is."

"Lots of people have asked me why I'm doing this challenge, and partly, it's personal," added the Princess.

"I'm so grateful to be here, to be strong enough to walk these hills. But, more importantly, it's to give something back and acknowledge, really, all the incredible work going on up and down this country."

"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," she continued.

"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."

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The princess's commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families."

Fans rushed to the comment section to praise Kate's achievement, with one writing: "This means so much, thank you," while others echoed Leung's comments and called her an 'inspiration'.