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Neither William nor Catherine has publicly responded to the Sussexes' planned homecoming

Senior members of the Royal Family attended Sunday worship at Crathie Kirk this morning, with the Prince and Princess of Wales at the head of the arrivals.

Prince William was behind the wheel of a Range Rover, with Catherine and their three children as passengers, as the convoy made its way to the small granite church close to the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.

The King and Queen Camilla were also in attendance, alongside the Princess Royal with Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke of Edinburgh accompanied by his daughter Lady Louise.

A military guard of honour was mounted by troops from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, as onlookers gathered at the church entrance to watch the family arrive.

The annual summer retreat at Balmoral got under way earlier in the week.

However, what is traditionally a period of relaxation away from official engagements has taken on a far more serious tone this year.

The Balmoral gathering has run parallel to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's bombshell announcement that they intend to return to Britain, six years on from Megxit.

The Royal Family were already at the Scottish estate when the news became public, though Charles had been informed of his younger son's plans three days prior.

The situation has drawn parallels with the Sandringham Summit of 2020, when the family convened to discuss Harry and Meghan's original decision to step back from royal duties.

However, the Royal Family has gathered at Balmoral each summer since the reign of Queen Victoria, making their coming together not unusual.

Neither William nor Catherine has publicly responded to the Sussexes' planned homecoming.

The Sussexes are anticipated to arrive back in Britain by the end of August, with plans to stay for a prolonged period.

Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have been registered at British schools in time for the September term.

Despite maintaining their California residence, where they benefit from private security arrangements, the couple are expected to base themselves in the UK for the duration of their children's schooling.

The Duchess of Sussex is also understood to be planning to operate her food and lifestyle venture, As Ever, from this side of the Atlantic during their stay.

On Friday, William and Catherine were spotted driving through the Aberdeenshire estate flanked by multiple security vehicles, but the couple have so far offered no public comment on the prospect of Harry and Meghan's return.