Prince William and Kate's 'carefree' Balmoral holiday set to be an important break after 'incredibly difficult few months'
By April Glover|
The summer holidays in Britain are slated to be a major re-set for the Wales family after a tough first half of the year.
Traditionally, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales escape to Balmoral in Scotland with their three children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis, along with other royals.
And it's no secret the warmer months are always a much-needed break for the busy royals following months of back-to-back engagements. This summer, however, is set to be a little different.
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Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK Magazine this year's break in Balmoral could be an important opportunity for the monarchy's inner circle to relax and recalibrate – and then decide what the second half of 2024 might look like.
"It's been one heck of a year for the Royal Family so far and nothing would please the King more than to have his close family gathered together in the peace of Balmoral for a time to take stock together, mark the passing of an incredibly difficult few months and look to the future," Bond explains.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will also make their annual pilgrimage to Aberdeenshire, Scotland where the cosy Balmoral Castle is located.
Bond says Catherine's attendance at Balmoral may have been up in the air following her cancer diagnosis, but predicts she may need this more than ever.
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"Like Catherine herself has said, cancer treatment brings with it a large measure of uncertainty and that must extend to whether she is able to spend part of the summer holidays at Balmoral," Bond added.
"If she does go, I'm sure the whole family will want to surround her with love, support and renewed strength. She, meanwhile, will want to make the summer months as fun and carefree for the children as she possibly can after everything she's been through."
It's also a chance, as Bond explained, for Kate to spend quality time with her three young children while they are on school break without photographers hounding them.
The Wales family have their own property to stay in at Balmoral, known as Tam-Na-Ghar.
It which was gifted to Prince William by his late great grandmother, the Queen Mother, before her death in 2002.
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It's the second Balmoral break recently that may have a slightly different tone compared to years past.
In 2023, the royal family's summer in Scotland was especially poignant as it marked their first without Queen Elizabeth.
The late monarch died aged 98 in September 2022 and spent her last hours in Balmoral, a residence that was incredibly special to her and still is to the royal family.
When the Queen died, William made a subtle reference to Balmoral and its importance in the immediate royal circle.
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"My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives," he said.
It's also a private place of tranquillity for William and Kate, who have reportedly been holidaying in Scotland since they first began dating as students in university.
The castle is a space where the royals can enjoy a life away from the spotlight, with family time including hunting, fishing, horse riding and boardgames.
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