Wales Family Leads Royal Gathering at Balmoral, Prepares for Significant Move to Forest Lodge
Prince William and Kate, joined by their children and other senior royals, observe annual worship at historic Crathie Kirk amidst plans for an eight-bedroom upgrade at Forest Lodge.
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, were observed leading their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to the traditional church service at Crathie Kirk, a short distance from the cherished royal estate of Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands. This annual gathering brought together senior members of the British Royal Family for a moment of quiet reflection during their customary summer retreat.
Prince William, 43, was seen at the wheel of a Range Rover, with Princess Kate, also 43, in the passenger seat. Their children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, occupied the back seats of the vehicle. They were joined for the service by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, reaffirming the multi-generational nature of these family holidays. Also present were Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, along with Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and Duchess Sophie, painting a picture of a united royal front. When in Scotland, Prince William and Kate are formally known by their traditional Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, a designation that underscores their deep ties to the region.
The visit to Crathie Kirk is a hallmark of the Royal Family’s extended summer stay at Balmoral Castle, their private Aberdeenshire estate. This magnificent 50,000-acre property has served as a beloved summer residence for the British monarchy since 1852, when it was acquired by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. It remains one of two privately owned estates by the monarch, the other being Sandringham House in Norfolk, England, where the family traditionally spends Christmas. Balmoral holds a special place in royal history, offering a secluded haven for relaxation and family bonding away from the public eye.
This summer interlude at Balmoral comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare for a significant domestic change. Before the close of 2025, the family is reportedly set to move into Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom residence located within the sprawling 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park. This move marks a substantial upgrade from their current, more modest four-bedroom Adelaide Cottage, offering increased space and greater proximity to the historic Windsor Castle. The transition signals a new phase for the family, balancing their demanding royal duties with the evolving needs of their three growing children.
Prior to the Balmoral gathering, Princess Kate maintained a busy schedule of public engagements. On August 22, she extended her well-wishes and support to the England women’s rugby team ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup through a post shared on social media. Earlier in July, specifically on the 12th and 13th, the Princess, in her esteemed role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, attended the Wimbledon finals. Her appearance at the men’s singles final on July 13 alongside Prince William and their two elder children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, was a particularly notable and popular public outing.
