The Princess of Wales is set to join the Royal Family at Balmoral this month in what will be her longest journey since her cancer diagnosis, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Prince William and Kate have decamped to the 50,000-acre estate in the Scottish Highlands each summer since their wedding in 2011, but some insiders feared this year could be different due to the princess’s health.
Since the announcement that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy in March, Kate has mostly balanced her time between Adelaide Cottage, their home in Windsor, and Anmer Hall, their holiday home in Norfolk, which are around 125 miles apart.
The Princess, 42, also travelled the short distance to London for Trooping the Colour in June and to Wimbledon for the men’s singles final in July, both of which are an hour’s drive from Windsor.
But sources have confirmed to The Mail on Sunday that Kate will join her husband and their three children north of the border this summer
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales on West Sands beach after taking part in a land yachting session on May, 2021 in St Andrews, Scotland
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The Mail On Sunday can reveal that the Princess of Wales join the Royal Family at Balmoral (pictured) this month in what will be her longest journey since her cancer diagnosis
Her attendance will be seen by many as further reassurance that the princess is making ‘good progress’ after her diagnosis.
In June she told the public in an emotional message she was ‘not out of the woods yet’ and had ‘good days and bad days’, adding that her treatment would continue for ‘a few more months’.
She said that on her good days it was ‘a joy’ to ‘spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity’.
The annual holiday at Balmoral is a tradition for the royals, where they can relax in the peaceful countryside
Long country walks and fishing are typical pastimes, with William and Kate known to enjoy cycling through the leafy grounds. Kensington Palace declined to comment.
The British Royals are gearing up for a significant presence at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with Prince William confirmed to attend and Princess Kate eager to make an appearance, contingent on her health
Prince William’s Olympic Plans
Prince William is set to head to Paris next week to watch the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, showing particular interest in one of the newer sports added to the Olympic lineup: sport climbing. Known for his love of athletics and his commitment to supporting Team GB, the Prince will be in the stands to witness the thrilling speed climbing events. The competitions are scheduled to begin on Monday, August 5, and the Prince’s presence underscores his passion for engaging with emerging sports and celebrating British athletes on the international stage.
Climbing made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, and this year, it will feature three disciplines: speed climbing, lead climbing, and bouldering. Speed climbing, which Prince William is particularly excited about, involves athletes sprinting up a 15-meter indoor wall. Lead climbing challenges athletes to ascend as high as possible on a more complex wall without falling, while bouldering tests their skill on a 4.5-meter wall without a safety rope.
William’s attendance at these events highlights the Royals’ ongoing dedication to promoting sports and wellness. Additionally, with his children, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 9, enjoying their summer break, it is likely that they will accompany their father to the Games, offering a chance for the young royals to witness Olympic history firsthand.
Princess Kate’s Health and Aspirations
While Prince William’s attendance is confirmed, Princess Kate’s potential visit to the Paris Games is generating considerable interest. The Princess of Wales, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, has made two significant public appearances since her diagnosis: at Trooping the Colour in June and the Men’s Singles Final at Wimbledon in July.
Kensington Palace has yet to announce a definitive return to royal duties for Princess Kate, as she continues her chemotherapy treatment. She candidly shared in June that her journey involves “good days and bad days,” and her participation in events is dependent on her health and her doctors’ recommendations.
Despite these challenges, a source close to the Princess reveals that she is keen to make the most of her “good days” and hopes to attend the Olympics if she feels well enough. “The Princess would love to go to the Olympics,” said the insider. “She has such fond memories of London 2012 and is keen to go to another Games while it’s so close to home.”
During the London 2012 Olympics, the then-newlywed couple, William and Kate, were enthusiastic spectators. They were frequently seen cheering at various events, including Chris Hoy’s cycling triumph, as well as tennis, hockey, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, and football. Their presence was emblematic of their love for sports and their support for Team GB.
However, the insider emphasized that Princess Kate’s attendance in Paris remains uncertain, mirroring the cautious approach taken during her appearance at Wimbledon. Her aides only confirmed her presence the day before the event, and a similar strategy may be employed for the Olympics, contingent on her health at the time.
Princess Anne’s Active Role at the Games
While the focus is on William and Kate, another royal family member has already made a mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Princess Anne, known for her long-standing involvement with the Olympic movement, has been an active participant in the Games. She recently presented medals at several events, including the Men’s 100-meter breaststroke final, the eventing team finals, and the women’s quadruple sculls Gold Medal ceremony.
In these roles, Princess Anne awarded a silver medal to Team GB’s Adam Peaty in the breaststroke event and had the honor of presenting Team GB’s first Gold Medal of the Games. Her engagement with the athletes and commitment to supporting British competitors highlight the Royals’ dedication to fostering a sense of national pride and sportsmanship.
The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games are poised to be a momentous occasion for the Royal Family, with Prince William’s confirmed attendance and Princess Kate’s hopeful participation. As they look forward to supporting Team GB and experiencing the excitement of the Olympics, the Royals’ involvement promises to add a touch of regal enthusiasm to the international sporting event.
For fans of the Royal Family and sports enthusiasts alike, the prospect of seeing the Royals in action at the Games is a captivating one. Whether it’s Prince William cheering for climbers or Princess Kate making a potential surprise appearance, the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be a remarkable chapter in both Olympic and Royal history.
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