EMBRACING ROYAL LIFE Wills & Kate's no regrets

THE COUPLE ARE FINDING STRENGTH IN FAMILY AND DUTY

- Judy Kean

It was, to all intents and purposes, a fairly run-of-the-mill visit by members of the royal family to a country that plays an important part in Great Britain. But Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s trip to Scotland last week was also the perfect opportunity for the couple to show how they’re embracing their destiny as the future King and Queen.

Following the assertions made by Prince Harry in interviews that his older brother is “trapped” in his royal role, William has displayed a steely determination to prove that he doesn’t feel shackled by the position he was born into.

Joined by his wife Kate, 39, he’s done that by throwing himself into his duties even more enthusiastically than ever and working tirelessly on behalf of his grandmother the Queen.

In Scotland, a relentless schedule of engagements – some in William’s capacity as Lord High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland – endeared the couple to everyone who met them. Neil Richardson, the CEO of a charity that helps people with mental health and addiction issues, summed up the reaction of many fellow Scots when he said, “Everyone commented on it – they were just lovely people.”

In some circles, the six-day visit was seen as a “charm offensive” by the royal family to try to convince the Scottish people to remain a part of Great Britain, as there’s a push from some groups for a second referendum on whether Scotland should become independent.