Veteran BBC presenter John Craven has commended Princess Catherine for completing the Three Peaks Challenge in June, calling it a remarkable display of endurance.
The 86-year-old journalist, known for Countryfile and formerly Newsround, is now preparing for the BBC Children in Need Countryfile Ramble in the Peak District.
He will walk alongside children supported by projects funded by the charity.
Catherine climbed the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.
Craven told HELLO!
magazine that the achievement highlighted the value of outdoor activities and could inspire people of all ages to explore the countryside.
"I thought it was a fantastic achievement," he said.
He stressed that demanding outdoor pursuits bring physical and social benefits, especially by encouraging wider participation in nature-based activities.
"Taking on a challenge like that requires determination, resilience and a real sense of teamwork," Craven explained.
He added that such efforts encourage people to get outdoors and demonstrate the positive impact of nature on physical and mental wellbeing.
Craven also noted how public figures can influence people's willingness to spend time outdoors, whether through personal achievements or television programs featuring rural life.
"If, after admiring public figures like the Princess taking on outdoor challenges or after simply watching Countryfile, people of all ages are motivated to pull on their boots and head out into the countryside, then that's a wonderful outcome," he said.
His connection with the royal family includes a 2013 Countryfile special marking the program's 25th anniversary.
King Charles III, then Prince Charles, served as guest editor for the episode, which explored hedge-laying, organic farming and countryside issues at Highgrove.
The program also examined the difficulties facing hill farmers.
Craven recalled being struck by the King's understanding of rural communities and environmental concerns, including issues that have become increasingly prominent in public discussion.
"What struck me was how knowledgeable and genuinely passionate he was about the countryside and the people who live and work there," said Craven.
He noted that their discussion covered sustainability, farming and biodiversity, subjects that remain central to debates about the future of rural Britain.
"Long before many environmental issues became part of the mainstream conversation, he was talking about sustainability, farming, biodiversity and the importance of protecting our natural environment."
Craven also described continuing pressures on rural communities, including economic difficulties, access to essential services, agricultural challenges and the need to protect the environment while maintaining livelihoods.
"Many of the concerns we discussed then remain highly relevant today," he said.
"Rural communities still face challenges around farming, economic pressures, access to services and protecting the environment while supporting livelihoods.
If anything, those conversations have become even more important over the past decade."
Beyond royal interviews, Craven said conversations with people working to improve their communities have remained among the most memorable experiences of his career.
"The people who tend to stay with me are those who are deeply passionate about making a difference, often away from the spotlight," he said.
"Whether they're protecting the countryside, supporting their local community or helping young people thrive, those conversations are always memorable because you can feel how much they care."
His upcoming Countryfile Ramble appearance continues a longstanding relationship with BBC Children in Need.
Craven participated in the charity's first televised program alongside Terry Wogan and Sue Cook, when he was responsible for explaining how viewers could make donations.
He said his involvement over the years has allowed him to witness the difference that financial support can make to vulnerable children and their families.
"I was in the studio with Terry Wogan and Sue Cook for the very first BBC Children in Need programme – my job was to read out how to make a donation," he said.
Craven added that meeting families who had benefited from the charity's work had left a lasting impression on him.
"What has always stayed with me are the children and families I've met whose lives have been transformed because someone was there for them at exactly the right time."
