Prince William and Kate Middleton Make a Rare Appearance at Balmoral — And the Timing Has Raised Eyebrows
Prince William and Kate Middleton were recently criticised online for breaking cover with a church visit as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the UK.
Following a years-long tradition, Prince William and Kate Middleton are currently spending summer with their three kids and the royal family at Balmoral. However, the royal gathering coincided with the shocking news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK. While eyebrows were already raised, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who haven’t been seen in public for days, were spotted going to the Crathie Kirk church near the Scottish castle on Sunday. For someone invested in the royal rift lore, the timing may seem quite suspicious.
Donning a sharp blazer and shirt, William drove his wife and children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, to the church service. Middleton stunned fans with new blond highlights. She paired the look with a tweed jacket, high-collared white shirt, brown hat, and bold teardrop earrings. The fashion icon was spotted grinning as she arrived for Sunday Mass. The couple certainly chose a stylish way to break cover.
However, many users on X felt the public sighting had a lot to do with Harry and Markle’s return to the UK. "The only time they attend church," one X user commented, while another added, "They always wake up from their sleep the moment they hear the names Harry and Meghan." One user on X wrote, "Well it looks like their PR team put them out to go to Church with a smile on their faces for the cameras!" Another wondered, "But it's not Christmas, why are they going to church?" One X user also mentioned, "George doesn’t look very comfortable in the back there."
The Waleses were accompanied by King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie, and Lady Louise at the Crathie Kirk church. Balmoral has been the chosen spot for the royal family’s summer vacations since the time of Queen Victoria. The royals take part in hunting, fishing, and horseback riding on the 50,000-acre property. However, this year their merriment might be punctuated by the arrival of the Sussexes.
Harry and Markle had a private meeting with King Charles at Highgrove last month. However, William and Middleton kept their distance from the occasion and busied themselves with work commitments. The Waleses and the Sussexes remain estranged and are likely not even on speaking terms.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have reportedly been enrolled in schools in the UK, and with terms starting early next month, the Sussexes will cross the pond very soon. The family of four is expected to stay in the UK for an extended period. Details of their accommodations and whether they will have a role in the royal fold are still unclear.
