Real reason Kate Middleton and Prince William made surprise trip to Balmoral

The Princess of Wales and Prince William were seen driving to Crathie Kirk in Aberdeenshire on Sunday

Kate Middleton marked her first public sighting since the conclusion of her chemotherapy treatment with an unexpected appearance at Balmoral.

The Princess of Wales and Prince William were seen driving to Crathie Kirk in Aberdeenshire on Sunday. Accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla, Kate was spotted in the front passenger seat donning a stylish fedora hat and offering a smile.

Her appearance closely followed an emotional video she shared in which she announced the end of her chemotherapy course. This visit to Balmoral also came just weeks after the family's annual summer holiday to the estate with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

This has led some Royal enthusiasts to question why William and Kate have visited twice in such quick succession. However, as reported by the Mirror, it is believed that they decided to indulge in a child-free weekend getaway - spending several days at the estate, leaving their three children back home in Windsor.

Kate has been undergoing chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer since late February, while the King began his own cancer treatment earlier that month following a diagnosis after treatment for an enlarged prostate. While undergoing treatment, Kate continued to work behind the scenes, meeting with her staff and representatives from the centre, although these meetings were not officially recorded.

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Last Tuesday marked her first appearance in the official record of Royal events since completing her cancer treatment. Kate was mentioned in the Court Circular after hosting a meeting at Windsor Castle on a topic that her aides have previously described as her life's work the early years development of children.

The princess took a break from public duties after her cancer diagnosis. She attended the King's birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, in June and presented the men's Wimbledon final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz the following month. She was also spotted joining William, Charles and Camilla at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle, in August.

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Earlier this month, Kate shared a heartfelt video announcing the completion of her chemotherapy treatment. In the emotional clip, the mother-of-three described the past nine months since her cancer discovery as "scary" and "incredibly tough", but added: "Out of darkness can come light."

The future Queen has shared that although she is "feeling well", she is embarking on a lengthy recovery journey, but intends to begin a light schedule of engagements. In the sincere and touching video, Catherine paused to honour "all those who are continuing their own cancer journey" by saying: "I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand."

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