The first seven months of the year have been difficult for the Royal Family after they have faced several health scares. However with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis now on their summer break, there will be some much-needed respite for the Prince and Princess of Wales as Kate bravely continues her cancer treatments.
Kate, 42, is surely counting the days until she can kick back for a well earned rest - but this summer is not just about relaxation; it's a healing time for her.
As the King, Queen, and other senior royals travelled north for Holyrood Week in Scotland, all eyes are now on the upcoming Balmoral getaway. This year's family retreat is tinged with significance for the mother of three, a leading royal expert pointed out.
Ex-BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: "It's been one heck of a year for the Royal Family so far and nothing would please the King more than to have his close family gathered together in the peace of Balmoral for a time to take stock together, mark the passing of an incredibly difficult few months and look to the future".
Kate's summer plans are up in the air due to her cancer treatment, as Jennie Bond reveals, "Like Catherine herself has said, cancer treatment brings with it a large measure of uncertainty and that must extend to whether she is able to spend part of the summer holidays at Balmoral."
"If she does go, I'm sure the whole family will want to surround her with love, support and renewed strength. She, meanwhile, will want to make the summer months as fun and carefree for the children as she possibly can after everything she's been through."
Should the family opt to stay closer to home, an extended break at their beloved Anmer Hall in Norfolk seems likely. The red brick home is where they can enjoy private family time, garden games, local excursions, and beach trips to Holkham.
Scotland remains a poignant destination for the princess, not only because of its beauty but also as the place where she and Prince William first met at the University of St Andrews in 2001.
For Prince William, Scotland's significance is profound, marking pivotal moments in his life beyond its stunning landscapes and tranquil nature spots.
During their summer holiday at Balmoral in 1997, Prince William was confronted with the devastating news of his mother's death, a sorrow revisited with the loss of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Yet, it was also at Balmoral where Prince William's romance with Kate blossomed.
Reflecting on his deep ties to Scotland, Prince William shared, "In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories. But also, my saddest."
He recounted the poignant moment he learned of Diana's passing: "I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning. And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep."
Now as parents, William and Kate are creating new joyful memories in Scotland with their children. "George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us and they're starting to build their own happy memories here too," he expressed.
The family holds a special bond with the region, which Jennie believes will influence their summer plans. She predicts, "I think William and the children will fit in with whatever is best for Catherine."
They have the option to retreat to their private haven, the quaint Tam-Na-Ghar cottage, a legacy from Queen Victoria's era, bequeathed to William by his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, in 2002.
Though their Highland retreat isn't confirmed yet, the Royal Family usually escape to Scotland for their August break with an array of activities at their disposal.
Jennie discloses: "Just like in the late Queen's reign, time at Balmoral is family time". She adds: "And, if the King gets the chance, he will relish the chance to hang out with his grandchildren by reading them stories, teaching them about the wildlife around them, playing cards and enjoying picnics... weather permitting!"
She adds: "Then there are the ponies and what better place to learn to ride? The late Queen was always popping her children and grandchildren on ponies and leading them around, and now Charles will do the same."
This break from royal responsibilities will be an ideal opportunity for him to bond with his grandkids. He cherishes reading tales to them, possibly treating the little ones to a story time featuring The Old Man of Lochnagar, his 1980 children's book set in the caves near Balmoral.
Perhaps the King will also find a quiet moment for a walk with his eldest grandson, Prince George, in Prince George's Wood - the arboretum at Birkhall named after George at his birth in 2013.
In addition to savouring numerous barbecues and spending quality time with his close cousins, George could now be old enough to indulge in one of the Royal Family's favourite hobbies of salmon fishing in the River Dee, alongside James, Earl of Wessex, 16, and his mother, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59 both of whom are quite skilled at the sport.
The retreat to the Scottish Highlands will also offer King Charles a moment for contemplation as he reflects on a period exceeding six months marked by concerning health issues.
"Balmoral has always been the place where Charles takes time out to relax and reflect," Jennie notes. She adds: "Walking over the moors is his 'me time', where he can take solace in the hills and rugged countryside."
For William, Catherine, and the rest of the Royal Family, the allure of escape that Balmoral offers is a comforting prospect amidst recent tribulations.
Jennie says: "The summer stay up there has always been a time primarily for family for a gathering in the peace of the Scottish countryside after the busyness and noise of their working lives in London and elsewhere. It's a 'breathe, relax and be still' kind of place, and that's what they all love about it.
"And, this year, more than ever, they all need to gather themselves and re-group for what they must all hope will be better days to come."