The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is expected to join the Royal Family for their annual summer retreat at Balmoral Castle, marking her longest journey since her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. This significant trip to the Scottish Highlands comes after Kate, 42, has spent most of her time between Windsor and Norfolk, with limited public appearances since her diagnosis in March.
According to reports from the Mail on Sunday, there were initial concerns about Kate's ability to travel due to her health. However, sources have now confirmed that she will be joining Prince William and their three children at Balmoral. This decision is seen as a positive indication of her progress in the battle against cancer, despite her ongoing treatment.
Back in June, Kate issued a heartfelt message about her preventive chemotherapy, acknowledging that she was "not out of the woods yet" and that her treatment would continue for several more months. She spoke candidly about having "good days and bad days" but expressed joy in spending personal time on activities that bring her energy and positivity.
While Kate's presence at Balmoral is a reassuring sign, the same cannot be said for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. PEOPLE magazine reports that the Sussexes have not been invited to join the Royal Family at Balmoral for their summer break, continuing a trend of being excluded in recent years. This comes amidst ongoing tension between Prince Harry and King Charles.
Sources close to the Sussexes suggest that Harry's attempts to communicate with his father about security concerns and other issues have been met with silence. Harry, who has been fighting to regain police protection for his family during visits to the UK, has reportedly had his calls to the King go unanswered. This lack of communication has left Harry feeling increasingly isolated and frustrated.
"He gets 'unavailable right now' as a response," a friend of Harry told the magazine. "His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King's health, but those calls go unanswered too." Another friend added, "Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father. He is determined to protect his own family at all costs."
The annual Balmoral retreat has always been a cherished tradition for the Royals, offering a peaceful escape in the countryside. Activities such as long country walks, fishing, and cycling are typical pastimes enjoyed by the family. Despite the ongoing family tensions, the presence of Kate and her children at Balmoral will undoubtedly bring a sense of normalcy and unity to the summer getaway.
In contrast, the exclusion of Harry and Meghan underscores the deepening estrangement within the Royal Family. The Sussexes' absence from Balmoral, combined with the lack of communication between Harry and King Charles, highlights the significant rift that has developed over recent years.
As the Royal Family gathers at Balmoral, the focus will be on Kate's health and recovery. Her attendance is a positive sign of her resilience and determination to continue her royal duties despite her illness. Meanwhile, the continued exclusion of Harry and Meghan from family events serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and divisions within the monarchy.
