The British royal family has a rich history intertwined with Scottish culture, but one member seems to be breaking away from tradition.
Prince William, the future monarch, has made it clear that he is not a fan of wearing kilts, much to the disappointment of Scottish royal enthusiasts.
Despite the royal family’s deep connection to Scotland, spending summers at Balmoral Castle and owning various estates in the country, Prince William stands out for his aversion to the traditional Scottish garment.
While it is not obligatory for royals to don kilts in Scotland, previous generations have embraced the attire, including King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Philip.
In contrast to his father, King Charles, who eagerly embraces wearing tartan on various occasions, Prince William has been reluctant to follow suit.
The Windsors have a set of unique dress codes when in Scotland, with men expected to wear kilts not only for formal events but also during leisure time.
Even Princess Diana, who was not particularly fond of Scottish customs, would occasionally incorporate Scottish elements like the tam-o’-shanter into her outfits as a nod to Celtic traditions.
The Royal Stuart tartan, dating back to the 1800s, has been a popular choice among royal family members, while the Balmoral tartan holds a special significance as an exclusive attire for the family.
Prince Albert is credited with creating the Balmoral tartan shortly after acquiring the estate with Queen Victoria in 1853, a style that has been continued by many royals since.
Charles, who has been wearing kilts since his days at Gordonstoun, a school attended by several royals, is known for his enthusiasm for Scottish attire.
The Braemar Highland Gathering is a prime event for the royal family to embrace Scottish traditions, where kilts are a common sight.
However, even on significant occasions like his graduation from the University of St Andrews, Prince William opted for a more conventional navy blue suit over a kilt.
Despite his reluctance to wear kilts, Prince William has expressed his deep connection to Scotland on numerous occasions.
In a poignant address to the Church of Scotland in 2021, he shared how Scotland holds both his happiest memories and moments of sorrow, including the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing while at Balmoral.
While Prince William may not be a fan of kilts, his bond with Scotland remains unwavering, finding solace and comfort in the country’s landscapes during times of grief.
His sentiments reflect a profound connection to Scotland that transcends traditional attire, showcasing the enduring significance of the country in his life.
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