The Cambridges Visit Scotland, A Summer Outing with Prince George & More

Following a return to engagements for the Duchess of Cambridge last week, it's been a particularly quiet time on the royal front. Where are the Cambridges and how is Kate feeling? Just a couple of days ago there were several sightings of William, Kate and George on a plane from Heathrow to Aberdeen. Excited passengers quickly shared the news on social media.

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In all likelihood it would appear the trio are spending a relaxing week at Balmoral, The Queen's Scottish retreat. The Cambridges usually visit in September, thus having the opportunity to spend time with Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, Charles and Camilla, however, due to Kate's illness it was off the cards this year. William did spend a weekend there hunting, but now Kate is on the mend they obviously decided it would be a perfect time to visit.

The couple may be taking advantage of the inactivity on the estate, as other senior royals are taking on a heavy schedule of duties and tours at this time of the year. It's the perfect location to indulge in long country walks and the privacy it affords is perfect for boisterous George to explore just as his father did as a child.

Wikipedia

The trip suggests Kate is continuing to feel better in her second trimester and enjoying a family break. Scotland is simply beautiful in the autumn, and it's the ideal time to wrap up in coats, scarves and comfy boots and enjoy the great outdoors and cosy evenings by the fire.

Balmoral Facebook Page

Regarding engagements, we'll continue to hear about them at very short notice for the time being. I don't anticipate there will be very many though, most likely two or three over a very short period every few weeks or so. November should prove relatively busy with appearances including Remembrance Sunday which takes place on 9 November this year.

We'll let you know immediately if any engagements are announced.

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Many of you may recall there were sightings of Kate and George enjoying a day out at Bucklebury Farm Park over the summer. Now, over four months later, a photo and information on the day has emerged.

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The news comes courtesy of an article in The Telegraph which includes a funny story about a family who saw the royals at the popular park. En route to the park, Adam De Marco, his partner Claire and their daughter Mia broke down due to a flat tyre and quickly found themselves surrounded by officers. They soon realised they were outside the Middletons' Bucklebury home and once officers realised they were not a threat, put their guns away and helped to repair the tyre.

Unfortunately it was too late for the family to visit but they returned the next day and saw Kate, George and Carole Middleton there:

'We saw Kate, her mum and Prince George at the farm shop, where you can buy fresh meat and other food. When they got into their Range Rover to drive off, we took some photos - and there was no sign of the protection squad.'

Set in a stunning 74-acre site, Bucklebury Farm Park offers a host of attractions including swings, go-carts, ponds, play areas and plenty of farm animals.

Bucklebury Farm Park

If George's reaction to meeting a bilby in Sydney is any indication, we believe he thoroughly enjoyed meeting the animals and exploring the farm.

Friendly animals are all around the park - from the cute and cuddly to rare breeds with some very ancient ancestry; did you know wild boar can be seen roaming rural Berkshire? Llamas, donkeys, Shetland ponies, pigs, cows and goats all reside in the park.

Bucklebury Farm Park

After a long day of exploration, visitors can relax and enjoy home-baked treats and warm tea and coffee at Woody's Café. All food is freshly prepared to order from locally sourced ingredients.

Woody's Café

Kate looked casual in a grey sweater, her signature J Brand skinny jeans and Mint Velvet plimsolls. On closer inspection we can see Kate's protection officer Emma Probert accompanied the royals on their day out.

No doubt, the Cambridges will return to the farm in the future with the latest addition to the family.

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In August, William, Kate and Harry viewed the Tower of London for the official unveiling of an installation of poppies in the tower's moat.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War the moat has gradually been transformed into a red sea thanks to a beautiful design by ceramic artist Paul Cummins and stage designer Tom Piper. Upon completion next month, it will feature 888,246 ceramic poppies each representing a colonial military fatality during the war.

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We've had considerable interest from readers requesting a look at the project's progress. Below we see an aerial shot taken yesterday.

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The moving project has been visited by many wishing to pay their respects.

Historic Royal Palaces

10% from each poppy, plus all net proceeds, will be shared equally amongst six service charities: Confederation of Service Charities, Combat Stress, Coming Home, Help for Heroes, Royal British Legion and SSAFA (formerly the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association). They will be distributed once the exhibition closes in November. Please click here for more information.

Historic Royal Palaces

It is an outstanding effort, visually moving and a touching way to remember.

Finally, if you're having royal withdrawls, check out our sister blog for a wrap up of the weeks gowns and tiaras!