The royal family has been enjoying the last days of summer at Balmoral, their beloved getaway in the Scottish Highlands, ahead of the busy back-to-school season. In a rare public appearance, Kate Middleton joined Prince William, Prince George, King Charles, and Queen Camilla for a family service at Crathie Kirk Church on August 25. This marks her third public outing since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
A Family Moment at Crathie Kirk Church
On Sunday, Kate and her family attended a church service at Crathie Kirk, a place of personal significance for the royal family. It was here that members of the royal family gathered for a private service in September 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The church also holds emotional memories as it was the venue for tributes to Princess Diana following her tragic death in 1997.
The photos of Kate and her family arriving at the church were shared by The Mirror. Kate, who has kept a low profile recently, appeared in the passenger seat of the car, with Prince William at the wheel. The Princess of Wales wore a stylish brown houndstooth trench coat paired with a brown felt hat decorated with feathers, showcasing her impeccable sense of fashion.
A Royal Gathering at Balmoral
While the royal family has spent time enjoying the scenic surroundings of Balmoral with activities like fishing and biking, there’s more than just leisure on their minds. The Crathie Kirk service was a family affair, and while Prince George was spotted in the back seat, King Charles and Queen Camilla also made their way to the church separately. Both were dressed in traditional Scottish tartan kilts, with the Queen donning a forest green jacket and matching hat.
The event at Balmoral comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were not invited to the gathering. Their absence follows their whirlwind tour of Colombia, and reports suggest that the royal family is using their time in Scotland to reflect on significant health issues, especially those concerning Kate and King Charles.
The Royals Reflecting on Their Future
While there may not be an official “royal summit,” sources have suggested that the royal family’s time together at Balmoral offers a chance to discuss their future. Royal expert Jennie Bond commented to OK! that the family, coming together for what is essentially a holiday, might also use the time to reflect on their roles and the challenges ahead. With Prince William focused on maintaining the monarchy’s relevance, it’s clear that this time at Balmoral could be more than just relaxation for the royals.
Bond also added, “It would be slightly odd if the family were all together for once and didn’t mull over what has happened and how they proceed in the future.”
