The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a rare appearance at Crathie Kirk yesterday, much to the delight of the crowd of onlookers.
The couple and their children, two-year-old George and baby Charlotte, arrived at Balmoral Castle last week to celebrate the Queen becoming Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
Yesterday, the pair attended the kirk’s weekly Sunday service with Prince Charles.
It was only the second time the couple have attended the church since their marriage four years ago.
Onlookers said they were delighted to see the royal couple in Deeside, with several members of the crowd discussing Kate’s famous flowing locks.
One said: “It was amazing. Her hair was shining in the sunshine. She looked beautiful, absolutely stunning.”
The duchess and her prince made up for the Queen’s absence from the kirk service.
Her Majesty, herself a keen and active horsewoman, had flown out of Balmoral before the service by helicopter to attend the European Eventing Championships at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl.
Prince Charles worshipped at Crathie with William and Kate yesterday but Camilla, who has been unwell, was absent.
Prince William and his family arrived at Balmoral on Tuesday, ahead of a family meal to celebrate the Queen’s historic milestone on Wednesday. She surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s record on the throne, by reigning for 63 years and seven months.
It was reported the couple, who had been at Sandringham, flew to Aberdeen Airport in the Duke of Westminster’s £8million Cessna private jet.