HIGHLAND HISTORY

Prince William May Break 170-Year Royal Fashion Tradition as King

He has not publicly participated in the tradition since his childhood.

Prince William is not a fan of one long-standing tradition that his father, King Charles, has embraced for decades.

As the royal family prepares for its annual summer retreat at Balmoral, Charles, 77, will likely once again break out his collection of Scottish kilts. But William, 44, has made a point of keeping the traditional Highland garment out of his public wardrobe.

The Prince of Wales has not been publicly seen wearing a kilt as an adult, despite having spent years in Scotland and serving as the Duke of Rothesay while there. Even at his 2005 graduation from the University of St. Andrews, William chose a white bow tie and black academic gown over Highland dress.

The last time the prince was publicly seen wearing a kilt was in 1990, when he was 8 years old. That could remain the case if he eventually becomes king.

His father has taken the opposite approach. Charles has worn kilts for decades, including during royal engagements and summers at Balmoral.

The garment has been a fixture of royal life in Scotland since at least the 19th century, and the family even has its own Balmoral tartan created by Prince Albert in 1857.

There is no rule requiring royals to wear kilts in Scotland. Still, many royal experts have noticed William forgoing it. His apparent choice has drawn criticism, though he has never spoken publicly about any reasons behind it.

In 2023, The Guardian said that the future king “has not inherited his father’s enthusiasm for traditional Highland dress.”

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty, also told the publication he thought the Prince’s refusal to wear a kilt was “curious.” He suggested that appearing in one could “silence his critics,” though others might dismiss it as a “PR stunt.”

For now, though, William seems more content to embrace Scotland without embracing its most recognizable royal uniform.

Balmoral Castle closed to the public on August 9, signaling the beginning of the family’s traditional late-summer stay. The estate has been a royal refuge since Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901), and William has spoken fondly of it.

“A big part of me is also in Scotland. My family has deep connections there, and it was such a fun part of my childhood and upbringing,” he told Country Life in 2018.

But he has also said that Scotland holds both his “happiest and saddest memories” in a 2021 speech, where he noted having met Kate Middleton while attending the University of St. Andrews. He also learned about the death of his mother, Princess Diana, while at Balmoral Castle.

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Pia BelloBeauty & Wellness Intern

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