The Prince and Princess of Wales traveled 418 miles north to Scotland on January 20, 2026, for a packed day of engagements while Prince Harry attended the second day of his high-profile privacy trial against Associated Newspapers in London’s Royal Courts of Justice. The geographic separation—Stirling and Falkirk in the north versus central London—perfectly illustrated the ongoing rift within the royal family, as the Waleses focused on positive public duties while the Duke of Sussex navigated a courtroom battle over alleged unlawful information gathering by the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

William and Kate, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, arrived in Stirling early that morning. Their itinerary began at the National Curling Academy, where they met Team GB and Paralympics GB athletes preparing for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. Guided by world-class curlers including Bruce Mouat, the couple tried the sport themselves, sliding stones across the ice with varying success. Kate’s initial slip drew laughter from the group, but she quickly recovered, outplaying William in their informal head-to-head when her stone landed closer to the house center. William took the playful defeat graciously, putting an arm around his wife as they shared smiles with the athletes.

The visit highlighted the couple’s commitment to supporting British sports and Scottish heritage. They toured the state-of-the-art facilities, learned about training regimens, and expressed genuine interest in following the teams’ progress. Mouat described the royals as “lovely and willing to curl,” noting their enthusiasm for the sport’s strategic depth and teamwork. From Stirling, the couple moved to Falkirk, visiting The Kelpies—the world’s largest equine sculptures—and a hand-weaving studio to explore traditional tartan production. They also stopped at a community pub, engaging with locals and emphasizing grassroots initiatives that preserve cultural traditions.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry sat in the High Court for the ongoing trial against Associated Newspapers. The case, involving Harry alongside claimants like Elton John, Liz Hurley, and Sadie Frost, accuses the publisher of phone hacking, blagging, and other unlawful methods to obtain private information dating back decades. Harry’s legal team argued he had been targeted for challenging the powerful tabloid industry, leaving him “paranoid beyond belief” about intrusion into his life. The trial, expected to last nine weeks, marks the third major court battle Harry has pursued against British newspapers, following settlements or wins in previous cases against Mirror Group and News Group Newspapers.

The timing of the Waleses’ Scotland trip—scheduled well in advance—meant no possibility of an encounter with Harry during his brief UK visit. King Charles, too, was occupied at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, further ensuring the Sussexes’ time in Britain remained focused on legal matters rather than family reunions. Insiders noted that while schedules are planned months ahead, the absence of any attempt to coordinate a meeting underscored the persistent estrangement between the brothers. Harry has publicly expressed hope for reconciliation, but sources close to William suggest he remains cautious, prioritizing stability for his family and duties as heir apparent.

The Scotland engagements offered a stark contrast to the courtroom tension. William and Kate’s relaxed interactions—William’s protective arm around Kate after her ice slip, their shared laughter, and genuine conversations with athletes and locals—projected unity and warmth. Kate, dressed in a blue tartan coat and later a black turtleneck for curling, wore Diana’s sapphire engagement ring, its return after a brief early-January absence adding a layer of symbolism to the day. The couple’s playful curling session, where Kate’s competitive edge shone through, drew praise for their approachability and humor.

Public reaction highlighted the divide. Supporters of Harry viewed the distance as deliberate avoidance, while others saw it as practical scheduling in service of royal duties. Social media buzzed with photos of the Waleses on ice and in tartan, contrasted with Harry’s arrival at court—images that fueled endless commentary on the family’s fractured dynamics. The 418-mile gap became a metaphor: physical separation mirroring emotional and relational distance that has persisted since Harry’s 2020 departure for California.

The visit also reinforced William and Kate’s focus on positivity amid personal and public challenges. Kate’s recovery from health issues and William’s steady leadership as future king have shaped their 2026 agenda toward uplifting engagements. Curling, with its Scottish roots and emphasis on precision and teamwork, aligned perfectly with their desire to connect with communities and celebrate national heritage.

As Harry prepared to give evidence—potentially as early as January 22—the Waleses returned south, their day in Scotland a reminder of the monarchy’s ongoing work beyond personal conflicts. The trial continues, with potential implications for press accountability and royal privacy. Yet on January 20, in the crisp air of Stirling, William and Kate showed that royal life moves forward—one stone, one smile, one mile at a time—even as old wounds linger hundreds of miles away.