He said: “I’m sure William was very shocked when when Kate was first diagnosed with cancer, because anyone of that age to be diagnosed it’s clearly a tremendous shock and a great worry.” He said: “I think Kate has has got a sort of inner core of steel. She’s quite a sort of steely character, and I think she’s a bit reminds me a little bit of late, Prince Philip.

“I think she’s got a sort of inner strength and I think she’s very much pulled on those reserves and I think that of the two she’s probably the stronger character.” The journey to Scotland marks the furthest distance Kate is reported to have travelled since being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have not been invited to the estate. Mr Dampier speculated that the Wales children will likely enjoy the vast grounds of Balmoral on their trip, which include the River Dee and 50,000 acres of forest, mountains and fields.

He said: “She wants them to know that she’s going to be okay and I’m sure that’s on her mind, if she’s strong enough to cope with it, then that will spread to William, and indeed to the children.”