At a Glance
- Kate Middleton and Prince William tried curling with Team Great Britain in Scotland on January 20, 2026
- The couple visited Falkirk’s 30-meter steel Kelpies sculptures and the National Curling Academy
- Prince Harry attended court in London, over 400 miles from his brother and sister-in-law
- Why it matters: The parallel appearances highlight the ongoing distance between the royal brothers
The Prince and Princess of Wales spent January 20, 2026, celebrating Scottish culture through sport and art, while Prince Harry remained in London for legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers.
Royal Scotland Tour
Prince William, 43, and Princess Kate, 44, began their Scottish away day at The Kelpies in Falkirk. The towering 30-meter steel horse-head sculptures represent Scotland’s heritage merging with industrial engineering prowess.
The couple coordinated in blue outfits, with Princess Kate wearing a long tartan jacket honoring Scottish tradition. They posed for photographs at the iconic landmark before continuing their cultural exploration.
Olympic Curling Preview
Their next destination was the National Curling Academy, where they met Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic curling teams preparing for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
Both royals took to the ice to try curling, a sport originating from 16th-century Scotland. Princess Kate executed an impressive lunge despite wearing a skirt, having swapped her heeled boots for flat footwear to participate.
The visit allowed the athletes to share their training experiences with the royal couple while demonstrating the technical aspects of the precision sport.
Traditional Textiles Mission
The Prince and Princess of Wales planned to conclude their day at Radical Weavers, a handweaving studio operating as a charity. The organization teaches Scottish tartan heritage while providing therapeutic weaving activities.
Participants create blankets and textiles that are later distributed to those in need, combining cultural preservation with community support.
Parallel London Appearance
While William and Kate engaged with Scottish communities, Prince Harry, 41, appeared in London court for the second consecutive day. He joins Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost in suing Associated Newspapers Limited for alleged illegal information gathering.
Associated Newspapers has “vigorously” denied these allegations, according to previous BBC reporting.
Geographic Separation
The 400-plus mile distance between the brothers reinforced their ongoing estrangement. Prince Harry’s UK visit excludes meetings with either Prince William or King Charles, who is also currently in Scotland.
During Harry’s previous UK visit in September 2025, he met King Charles for their first in-person encounter in 18 months. No similar reunion is expected during this trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Waleses’ Scottish tour emphasizes cultural traditions through modern activities
- Their curling attempt showcases Britain’s Winter Olympic preparations
- Prince Harry’s London court appearance continues his legal battle against media practices
- The brothers’ simultaneous but separate public appearances maintain their geographic and personal distance
