Cerk, a historic church located in the Scottish Highlands near Balal Castle, has been an important place of worship for the royal family for generations. For more than a century, it has been the venue of choice for the Royal Family during visits to Balber, their prized summer retreat. However, this visit to Cerk was particularly emotional as it marked a significant return for William. As a 15-year-old, William attended a service at Cerk with other royals in 1997, shortly after the tragic death of Diana. The church, surrounded by peaceful surroundings, became a refuge for grieving royals then, and continues to do so today.

Despite maintaining a composed exterior, William was unable to hold back tears as the emotional weight of his past intertwined with his present as he returned to Cerk. His connection to the church, now both painful and filled with precious memories of his mother, was palpable. Catherine’s reaction in this moment endeared her to fans, as she gave her husband a warm and comforting hug, demonstrating her role as a source of strength for him. The moment highlighted their deep bond and mutual support, traits that royal fans have come to respect in the couple. Their genuine emotion resonated with many, serving as a reminder of the personal struggles that come with public life.

Balal holds special significance for the royal family, as a retreat where summer family gatherings have long been a tradition that William and Catherine continue to honour. This year, Catherine joined the royal family at Balmer, marking her longest absence from the family's Adela Cottage home since her problems began earlier this year. Her presence at Balmer, despite ongoing health challenges, underscored her commitment to family values ​​and traditions. She recalled that a decision was made for all royals who were in Palmeral to attend Cerk, at the Queen's behest.

It was a typical service, with no mention of Diana, but the grief was felt through the prayers. In his memoir "Spare", Prince Harry recalled attending Cerk that Sunday morning, noting the controversy over the worship of the head of the Church of England in the Church of Scotland, while admitting that he had no specific memory of the event. As they returned to Balmer, they stopped to greet mourners who had gathered to leave stuffed animals, flowers and cards outside the front gate.

A few years ago, Prince William shared his thoughts on that moment in a speech to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, recalling how he had been in Balmer when he received the news of his mother’s death. Still in shock, he found solace in the service at Cerk that morning and found solace in Scotland’s natural beauty in the dark days that followed. His connection to Scotland thus remains deep. Catherine’s ability to be a pillar of strength for William, even in the midst of her own health struggles, only added to the admiration and affection her fans felt for her.