Prince William strays from tradition and doesn't wear kilts while in Scotland

30 July 2023 , 08:10

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Prince William strays from tradition and doesn't wear kilts while in Scotland

Members of the Royal Family including King Charles, Prince Edward and the late Prince Philip have often been seen wearing a kilt while visiting Scotland - but Prince William appears to have resisted the tradition.

The garment, which originated in the Scottish Highlands and was mainly worn by those in the army, is now the national dress of Scotland, and is mainly donned at formal events such as weddings and other special occasions. King Charles has often been seen wearing a kilt, including before his Scottish coronation earlier this month. He also wore a kilt when he visited Selkirk and Galashiels in the Scottish borders to mark Holyrood Week. Because of the Royal Family's links with Scotland, and the properties they own including Balmoral, Birkhall and the Castle of Mey, wearing a kilt is almost seen as part of royal traditions.

But the Prince of Wales has never explained why he is never seen wearing one. He was photographed wearing a kilt when he was a child, but whenever he attends events in Scotland, he usually dons a suit. Also at this graduation ceremony at St Andrews, he chose to wear a suit and not a kilt.

Charles wearing a kilt and carrying a shepherd's crook at Balmoral (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Charles and Camilla wore tartan garments on their first wedding anniversary (UK Press via Getty Images)

William, who inherited the titles of Duke of Rothesay and Lord of the Isles when his father became King, has not worn a kilt since childhood. The reason behind his decision is not clear and has been the subject of discussion.

According to the Mail on Sunday, it may be that William learned a painful truth while at Balmoral, observed by the writer Neil Munro, that "there's nothing the midges like to see among them better than an English tourist in a kilt." It could also be that he simply does not like the draughtiness of the garment.

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Despite the Prince's reluctance, his father's Scottish tailor, John Sugden, owner of Campbell's of Beauly and holder of the Royal Warrant, said his company "would be happy" to tailor a kilt for William "should the opportunity arise". He added: "His father is a very keen wearer of Highland dress and a great supporter of Scottish traditions."

Charles has worn kilts since he was a child - and was photographed wearing one to mark several occasions including his seventh birthday in 1955. At the time, Buckingham Palace released a photo of Charles in his Balmoral tartan in the grounds of the family's Scottish estate.

To celebrate Father's Day this year, Charles shared a photo of himself with William and Harry on the banks of the River Dee in 1997. He and Camilla also wore co-ordinating suits in Balmoral tartan on their first wedding anniversary in 2006.

Kilts are often made of a woollen cloth in a tartan pattern - and the little pockets fill with body heat to keep you warm. The tartan was also a favourite of Queen Victoria, who frequently wore the pattern while in Scotland. Since then, it has remained loved by the Royal Family, especially by King Charles.

Chiara Fiorillo