Kensington Palace has announced that Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, will travel to Scotland next week for a series of engagements focused on celebrating Scottish heritage. The trip, set for Tuesday, January 20, marks the couple’s first official outing beyond England’s borders in 2026, coming amid a gradual ramp-up of their public duties following a challenging year for the royal family. The itinerary includes visits to Stirling and Falkirk, where they will spotlight traditional practices like curling and tartan weaving, highlighting how these cultural elements continue to foster community ties and inspire younger generations.

The announcement comes just days after the couple’s first joint appearance of the year on January 8, when they made an unannounced visit to Charing Cross Hospital in west London. There, they met with healthcare workers to support NHS Charities Together, an organization they jointly patronize. Kate, who turned 44 on January 9, surprised staff by joining William, marking a positive start to 2026 nearly a year after her cancer diagnosis and subsequent remission announcement. During the hospital visit, Kate introduced her husband in a casual manner, simply as “my husband, William,” eschewing formal titles in a moment that underscored their approachable style.

The Scotland excursion represents a shift northward, with the royals adopting their Scottish titles: the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. Their day begins at the National Curling Academy in Stirling, where they will meet members of Team GB and Paralympics GB curling teams preparing for the Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy, next month. Curling, a sport with roots tracing back to 16th-century Scotland, involves teams sliding granite stones across ice toward a target while using brooms to influence the stone’s path. The couple is expected to try their hand at the game, learning about the teams’ rigorous training regimens and the sport’s historical significance. Since its Olympic debut, curling has brought home six medals for Team GB and two for Paralympics GB, making this a timely nod to athletic heritage. The academy, which opened in August 2017, offers state-of-the-art facilities with year-round ice access, serving as a hub for elite athletes.

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From there, William and Kate will head to Radical Weavers, a handweaving studio and charity in Stirling founded in 2019 by Mairi Breslin. The organization uses traditional Scottish tartan-weaving techniques to support individuals dealing with social isolation, trauma, or loss. Participants learn weaving skills that provide therapeutic benefits, promoting mental well-being through creative expression. The royals will interact with weavers, explore the design and production process, and even contribute to a community project: weaving a small section for what aims to be the world’s longest tartan scarf. Proceeds from such initiatives fund Scotland’s Tartan Centre in Stirling. Radical Weavers has previously donated woven items to homeless shelters, food banks, and Ukrainian refugees, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity in preserving cultural crafts.

Kate’s involvement aligns with her longstanding interest in the British textiles industry. Last year, she visited manufacturers in Carmarthenshire, Suffolk, Kent, and County Tyrone to promote the sector’s cultural and economic contributions. Her family ties to a Leeds-based woolen manufacturer add a personal layer to her advocacy. The princess has often highlighted how traditional crafts can bridge generations and support mental health, themes central to her public work.

This trip builds on the couple’s history of engagements in Scotland. In April 2025, they marked their 14th wedding anniversary with a two-day visit to the Isle of Mull, where they donned matching outfits for outdoor activities. In May, they traveled to Glasgow, with Kate officially naming the Royal Navy warship HMS Glasgow. These outings reflect their commitment to the region, where William inherited the Duke of Rothesay title from his father, King Charles III, upon his ascension in 2022.

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The timing of the Scotland visit coincides with other royal developments. On January 21—the day after their trip—Prince Harry is due in London for his High Court trial against the publisher of the Daily Mail, alleging misuse of private information. William and Kate’s absence from the capital during this period underscores the ongoing rift within the family, with no reconciliation in sight. King Charles, adhering to protocol, avoids involvement in active court cases, further dimming prospects of a family reunion.

Kate’s schedule remains busy leading up to the trip. On January 15 or 16, she will host her first solo engagement of 2026 at Windsor Castle, welcoming the England Women’s Rugby team—the Red Roses—to celebrate their 2025 Rugby World Cup victory. As patron of the Rugby Football Union, Kate’s event highlights her passion for sports, which often pits her in friendly rivalry with William, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

The past year has been pivotal for Kate. In March 2025, she revealed her cancer diagnosis following abdominal surgery, undergoing preventive chemotherapy. By September, she announced her remission, gradually resuming duties. In a reflective video message, she spoke of “focusing on joy” as part of her recovery, emphasizing human connections—a theme echoed in her new public program centered on mental health and relationships.

Prince William, 43, has balanced his royal responsibilities with family life. As heir to the throne, he supports King Charles, who faced his own cancer battle in 2025. William’s focus on environmental causes, like the Earthshot Prize, and homelessness initiatives through the Royal Foundation, complements Kate’s early childhood and mental health advocacy. The couple, parents to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, prioritize family amid their duties, often basing operations from Adelaide Cottage near Windsor Castle.

Public reaction to the Scotland announcement has been positive, with social media buzzing about the couple’s return to the spotlight. One Facebook post from ABC News highlighted Kate’s hospital appearance, garnering comments praising their “stylish start to 2026.” Fans appreciate the emphasis on heritage, seeing it as a way to unite the UK post-Brexit and amid economic strains.

Scotland holds special meaning for the royals. Balmoral Castle serves as a summer retreat, and the family traditionally attends the Braemar Gathering. William studied at the University of St. Andrews, where he met Kate in 2001. Their engagement was announced in 2010, leading to their 2011 wedding at Westminster Abbey.

As 2026 unfolds, this trip signals a return to normalcy for William and Kate. With the Winter Games approaching, their curling engagement could boost national pride. Analysts note the strategic choice of low-key, meaningful visits, allowing Kate to ease back into full-time duties while maintaining public support.

The royal family’s calendar is filling up. King Charles and Queen Camilla plan international tours, while other members like Princess Anne continue tireless work. For William and Kate, this Scottish jaunt is more than a day trip—it’s a step toward reclaiming their roles as modern monarchs in waiting.