KATE and Wills are on the Isle of Mull celebrating the “power of communities” and natural environment – while on their 14th wedding anniversary.
The Prince and Princess of Wales begin their whistestop trip in Tobermory – the setting for kids TV show Balamory – where they have announced funding for two community centres.
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William and Kate have travelled to the Isle of Mull, off Scotland‘s west coast, for a two-day visit meeting craftspeople, farmers and residents – and to celebrate their marriage milestone.
The royal couple have been sweethearts for more than 20 years after meeting at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland.
They tied the knot in Westminster Abbey on April 29 2011, with the aisle of the Gothic London church lined with trees.
William has a connection with the Isle of Mull because it is part of lands once ruled by the Lord of the Isles, one of a number of Scottish titles he inherited from his father when Charles became King.
They will tour the harbour’s artisan markets with Banjo Beale, an interior designer and presenter of the BBC’s ‘Designing the Hebrides’ show.
And, help with meal preparation at the island’s Croft 3, a restaurant that relies on food grown on site.
Kate and Wills are staying in a self-catering cottage during their trip which falls on their wedding anniversary.
When in Scotland, the pair are officially known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
The visit aims to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment.
Mull is popular with tourists for its breath-taking views and spectacular untouched beaches, just am hour from Oban.
There are only around 3,000 people on the island, but many have set up small businesses to accommodate day-trippers.
Mull is also an easily accessible stopping point before heading on to Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.
Tobermory has been described as the town’s “jewel” and draws in hoards of visitors.
It’s colourful houses are a beloved memory for many who recognise them as the Balamory backdrop.
Elsewhere on the island, tourists can soak up the local history while enjoying a gander around Mull Museum.
There’s also an aquarium for those nature lovers interested in the habitat’s wildlife.
Scotland’s west coast is home to around a quarter of the world’s species of whale, dolphin and porpoise.
From bottlenose dolphins to harbour porpoises and minke and killer whales, there are dozens of species for budding watchers to look out for in this stunning part of the world.
And nature lovers will not be disappointed by the region’s other offerings.
Seals and otters are everywhere, basking sharks also stalk the crystal-clear waters and magnificent white-tailed sea and golden eagles breed on Mull and further along the coast.
Interior designer Banjo Beale, presenter of the BBC‘s Designing The Hebrides programme and a Mull resident, will work with fellow islanders to ensure the community-owned centres in Mull’s main town of Tobermory and the village of Pennyghael reflect the area’s culture.
He said: “It’s an absolute joy to be working with the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales to redesign and preserve these vital community spaces.
“Together, we’re not just restoring old walls – we’re reimagining what’s possible when community and creativity come together.
“I’m excited to breathe new life into beloved buildings and celebrate the island’s warmth, resilience and quiet magic.”
The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme is providing undisclosed grants for the renovation of facilities at Aros Hall in Tobermory, where the popular BBC children‘s TV series Balamory was filmed, while at Pennyghael Community Hall, communal spaces will be updated and roof repairs undertaken.
William and Kate will begin their Mull visit by touring Aros Hall, home to a community fridge saving food from landfill, a charity shop and a children’s indoor play area used by family support charity Home-Start Lorn, whose volunteers will meet the royal couple.
Later they will visit the nearby harbour to chat to makers and creators at Tobermory Producers Market, co-ordinated by Aros hall, and they will end their day by travelling to a combined croft and restaurant on the west coast of Mull, touring some of its 50 acres of land, seeing the Hebridean sheep farmed on site, and helping select garden produce for the menu.
The couple will spend time privately at Pennyghael Community Hall and on the island of Iona after taking the public ferry from Mull and meeting those who use and run the service.
‘SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE’
It comes as Kate is phasing back into royal duties after her health struggles last year.
And royal insiders have claimed the 43-year-old, who is now in remission, and her husband are happier than ever after their tough 2024.
A source told Closer that the future king is ramping up the romance with his wife.
They claimed: “William has been incredibly supportive through Kate’s cancer battle – he’s really proven himself to be a remarkable partner when the going gets tough.
“His big focus has been on making the most of their time and this second chance at life together.
“That means more romantic dinners, more long walks and more holidays. They’re mapping out summer plans right now, with the usual family trips to Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly, but they’re also looking to take a romantic hideaway holiday just the two of them, and even talking about going back to the Seychelles where they honeymooned.”
The insider continued: “William really stepped up during Kate’s illness – he took on so many extra duties even in the midst of supporting and his considerable heartache worrying about her. He has been the most doting husband, and everyone, including Kate, says so.”
Kate has been turning up for more public appearances as part of her “gradual” return to work after cancer.
She has made a number of appearances including meeting Holocaust survivors at an emotional memorial event, and visiting Tŷ Hafan’s hospice near Cardiff, where she spent time with children, families and staff.
Ahead of St. David’s Day, Kate did a joint Welsh engagement with William, and displayed rare PDA with arm touches and hand holding.
Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship – in their words
AFTER years of dating, Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement on November 16, 2010.
Prince William revealed in their interview with BBC that he knew from the start that Kate was different from other people.
He said in their engagement interview: “From my point of view, when I first met Kate, I knew there was something very special about her.”
When asked what drew them together, it turns out her “naughty sense of humour” was the tipping point.
He said: “She’s got a really naughty sense of humour, which really helps me because I’ve got a really dirty sense of humour so it was good fun, we had a really good laugh, and then things happened.”
And it appears that Prince William is a very caring partner towards Kate. Swoon.
She previously told Hello! how much of a gentleman William is, and said: “You know, over the years William has looked after me, he’s treated me very well — as the loving boyfriend he is, he is very supportive of me through the good times and also through the bad times.”
In April 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony watched around the world by millions of fans.
Kate wore a spectacular Alexander McQueen dress and the smitten prince could be seen telling Kate: “You look beautiful” before the service began.
They may have an unconventional life, but when it comes to their relationship, it all boils down to having fun.
Prince William added: “Obviously we both have a very fun time together, both have a very good sense of humour about things, we’re down to earth, we take the mickey out of each other a lot, and she’s got plenty of habits that make me laugh that I tease her about.”
