Katherine and William's recent appearance at Balmoral without their children has sparked significant interest among royal watchers. The couple joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for the traditional Sunday service at Crathie Kirk. The absence of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis drew attention, as it is understood that the children remained in Windsor due to school commitments. The young royals had just returned to Lambrook School in Berkshire, making a trip to Scotland less practical at this time.
However, their absence allowed the Prince and Princess of Wales to enjoy a rare weekend together at Balmoral, an estate rich with history and sentimental value for the royal family. Insiders revealed that William and Katherine spent the weekend at Balmoral and decided to attend the service with the King and Queen.
Princess Catherine turned heads with her impeccable sense of style, donning a chic dark brown tartan blazer by the Italian label Blaze Milano. This statement blazer, crafted from luxurious virgin wool, features a fitted waist and originally retailed for an eye-catching price. Known for her elegant fashion choices, Catherine has been a fan of this designer for some time, having first worn this exact style back in December 2021. She paired it with a sleek black roll neck and elevated her ensemble further with a stunning £109 Suffolk hat by the British brand Hicks and Brown. The wide-brimmed hat, adorned with striking orange feathers nestled into a brown leather band, added a touch of country sophistication perfectly suited for the Balmoral setting. Available in six shades, it has quickly become a favorite among fashion enthusiasts.
To complete her look, Princess Katherine accessorized with a pair of gold chandelier earrings by Cassandra Goad, which she has treasured since 2011. These exquisite earrings, part of the designer's Journey to China collection, are a timeless choice that highlighted her signature polished elegance. With her signature bouncy blow-dry, a smoky brown eye, and a nude lip, Catherine looked effortlessly glamorous as she accompanied Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla at the service. Her poised and polished appearance continues to solidify her status as one of the world's most admired style icons.
This visit holds extra significance, marking the first time Catherine has been seen publicly at Balmoral since her victorious fight against cancer. Earlier in the week, she made headlines by releasing a deeply personal video where she reflected on her battle with the illness and shared her hopes for the future. The Princess of Wales has become an emblem of resilience, gracefully navigating her health struggles while continuing to fulfill her royal responsibilities. “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she shared. Catherine also expressed her excitement about returning to public engagements in the near future, with her trademark warmth and dedication that have endeared her to millions around the globe.
Meanwhile, Prince William has remained steadfast by her side, balancing royal duties with family life. Just days before the church service, William traveled to Aberdeen to meet with local heroes, including shelter managers, mental health workers, and housing officers, offering his personal thanks for their tireless work. His commitment to public service, especially in the realm of mental health, remains a key focus of his role as Prince of Wales.
Despite her health battle, Katherine remained active in 2024, making her first major appearance at Trooping the Colour in June, accompanying her children in a carriage procession, and joining the senior royals on Buckingham Palace's balcony in July. She received a standing ovation on Centre Court at Wimbledon, attending the men's final with Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa Matthews. The Wales family also joined the King and Queen for their traditional summer break at Balmoral, with William, Catherine, and George attending church during the bank holiday weekend.
Katherine's return to Balmoral brings a nostalgic feel, as the estate has long been a cherished retreat for the royal family. The Princess's connection to the estate is evident, and her return is a powerful reminder of her strength as she steps back into her public role with grace and determination. Catherine's resilience and return to royal duties continue to inspire, as the Princess focuses on family, health, and her commitments to the crown.
