FHHRN
The Royal Family presented a united image on Sunday as several senior royals attended a church service together in Scotland, just days after reports emerged about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned return to the UK.
Princess Catherine was photographed smiling as she travelled to Crathie Kirk near the Balmoral estate with Prince William, who was behind the wheel. Their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, accompanied them for the traditional Sunday service.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived separately, while Princess Anne travelled in another vehicle with her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, who was driving.
The family appearance comes amid intense attention surrounding the Sussexes and their expected return to Britain, although the church visit itself forms part of the royals’ traditional summer stay at Balmoral.
Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie and their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, were also among the royals attending the service, travelling together in the same vehicle.
Members of the wider Royal Family began arriving in Scotland earlier this week for their traditional summer gathering at Balmoral, an annual occasion that gives the family an opportunity to spend time together away from their usual public schedules.
Their arrival happened to coincide with news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to relocate to Britain, prompting speculation that senior royals had gathered for a special “summit” to discuss the Sussexes’ return.
However, the Balmoral get-together is understood to be part of a long-established royal tradition rather than a meeting organised specifically in response to Harry and Meghan’s plans.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly expected back in Britain before the end of the month, marking a significant change more than six years after they stepped away from their roles as senior working royals.
It has also emerged that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have already been enrolled at schools in Britain, another indication that Harry and Meghan are preparing for a significant change to their family life.
Rather than returning to a royal property, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to establish their new home at a private residence outside London.
Reports of the unexpected move first surfaced late on Wednesday evening, although King Charles is understood to have been informed about the couple’s plans several days earlier, on Sunday.
The monarch was joined by Prince William as the Royal Family gathered in Scotland, placing renewed attention on the father and son’s response to the Sussexes’ forthcoming return.
