Catherine did not use her princess title, instead opting for a never-before-seen name
Catherine, the Princess of Wales has disclosed the pseudonym she adopts when appearing in public, using the name "Catherine Wales" to donate to an 11-year-old boy she encountered during her recent Three Peaks Challenge.
The Princess of Wales met Ted Haslam while climbing Ben Nevis over the weekend, with the young paraplegic also undertaking the gruelling trek that same day.
Catherine contributed an undisclosed sum to support Ted's fundraising efforts, with her message appearing under the straightforward name "Catherine Wales" rather than her formal royal title.
The revelation came after the princess successfully conquered the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.
Ted, who uses a wheelchair, completed the demanding challenge with assistance from a team of relatives and friends, raising funds for Molly Olly's Wishes, which provides support to seriously ill children.
The princess sent a heartfelt message accompanying her donation, writing: "One of the real highlights of the Three Peaks Challenge was meeting inspiring people like you along the way.
"Huge congratulations to the entire team for raising money for such a wonderful cause."
The encounter on Ben Nevis clearly made an impression on Catherine, who described meeting individuals like Ted as among the most memorable moments of her expedition.
This is not the first occasion Catherine has employed an alias when dealing with members of the public.
In 2012, merely a year following her marriage to Prince William, the princess attempted to reserve a wetsuit at a shop under the name "Mrs Cambridge" after realising she had left her purse behind.
According to the Mail on Sunday at the time, the shop owner was entirely unaware of her identity, even remarking that Cambridge was "quite an unusual surname".
A source recounted: "He was looking straight at her and actually commented that it was quite an unusual surname. He hadn't a clue who she was. She just smiled and said she'd be back."
The princess is thought to be the first member of the Royal Family to have completed the Three Peaks Challenge, according to Kensington Palace.
Upon finishing the arduous route, Catherine was greeted by Prince William, their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, along with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her brother James.
The official royal social media account marked the achievement by posting: "Congratulations to The Princess of Wales."
Catherine explained she had undertaken the challenge not solely as a test of physical endurance but also "to give something back" and highlight the broader effects of serious illness.