These are some new photos of the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate) on Sunday, during the royal part of the UK’s Remembrance Sunday, which honors fallen soldiers. Kate was stationed on the balcony between Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex (Edward’s wife). All of the royal ladies wore black – Kate’s coat is Diane von Furstenberg, with a hat by “couture milliner” Jane Corbett. I especially like Kate’s hat – very chic, especially compared to Camilla’s feather-boa-looking hat monstrosity, which seems too frou-frou for such a somber occasion.

Do you remember how Kate and Will are going to be separated for six weeks next year while Will trains in the Falkland Islands? Well, once he comes back, The Mail reports that he and Kate are considering a semi-permanent move to Scotland. Meaning, Will might put in a transfer request with the RAF so he could be stationed as a search-and-rescue pilot at RAF Lossiemouth. Yeah… I don’t think this will happen, but it’s interesting:

Prince William and his wife Kate are reportedly set to move back to Scotland as he pursues his career in the RAF. The royal couple – who began their relationship while studying in St Andrews – are planning to head north of the border again under plans for William to transfer to RAF Lossiemouth.

At the moment the pair live in Wales where the Prince works as as part of the RAF search and rescue crew. And next year he is due to perform a six weeks tour of duty in the Falkland Islands. Yet although he will head back to Anglesey immediately after his return to Britain, the prince is considering a return to Scotland as early as 2013, according to a senior RAF source.

It is understood the couple are keen to return to the country where their romance blossomed and for which they have a deep-seated affection. A move to Lossiemouth in Moray would mean they were conveniently close to the Royal Estate at Balmoral and neighbouring Birkhall where the couple have spent several holidays.

They would also be near St Andrews where William has signed up to be patron of the university’s forthcoming 600th anniversary celebration appeal. From a professional point of view, a transfer to Lossiemouth would allow the prince – currently trained as a co-pilot – to work in the busy search and rescue centre. Lossiemouth was also the prince’s second choice – behind RAF Valley – for his first posting.

A senior RAF source said: ‘Lossiemouth is simply considered the best place for an RAF search and rescue pilot. It has a great combination of mountain and sea work but covering more and bigger mountains than Wales. It offers more variety and action. It will also give the chance for William to command his own helicopter.’

The Royal couple currently rent a £750-a-month cottage on Anglesey while Prince William remains stationed at RAF Valley. He is signed up for a three-year stint in the RAF – which comes to an end in 2013. After that the 29-year-old prince has several possible options: He could either leave the RAF to take on full-time royal duties; he could remain at RAF Valley; or he could transfer to another RAF search and rescue centre. However, royal insiders believe that a move to RAF Lossiemouth is the prince’s ‘preferred option.’

One aide explained that William intends to complete at least six years of service – believing that it is only fair, having received pilot training worth around £800,000, that he should repay the RAF’s investment in him. The aide also pointed out that St Andrews University celebrates its milestone 600th anniversary in 2013. William is patron for a fundraising campaign at the historic establishment, where he met future wife Kate Middleton, and the couple returned to help launch the £100 million appeal last February.

The aide warned that the moves of royal family members are always subject to change but said the transfer to Lossiemouth was currently the prince’s first choice. He said: ‘A move to Lossiemouth for Prince William and Catherine is part of a long-term forecast but this is the preferred option. It will allow the Duke to continue his RAF career while experiencing a different base and the couple always enjoy their time in Scotland. While nothing is ever set in stone for working Royals, this is the plan on the table as they look ahead.’

RAF spokesman Martin Tinworth declined to discuss the prince’s career, but said any decisions related to personnel were made ‘in connection with crew development and the chain of command.’

A Clarence House spokesman said: ‘At some point next year, Prince William will consider his future in the RAF. No decision has yet been taken.’

William is currently earning £37,170 as a flight lieutenant. Promotion to squadron leader is not normally considered until four years after becoming a flight lieutenant – and then William will have to compete with many others throughout the service for the limited number of yearly upgrade in rank.

[From The Mail]

I’m kind of torn about this one. On one hand, moving to Scotland for three years (!) would mean that Kate would barely have time to take on any charitable “work” in London for many years to come, which just pisses me off. On the other hand, at least Will is thinking about a longer-term military career, and not wasting hundreds of thousands of taxpayer pounds on training for what amounts to a temp job. I really don’t think the Queen would allow this, though. William needs to be closer to London, and he – AND KATE – are going to be expected to take on more responsibilities as soon as their “grace period” is over (2013). So… doubt it on Scotland.

Photos courtesy of Fame & WENN.