The Royal Family are preparing for their customary summer retreat to Balmoral, where King Charles is known for his consistent embrace of the Scottish kilt, a tradition that Prince William has rarely followed in his adult public appearances.
The Aberdeenshire estate has long been a cherished seasonal destination for successive generations of the monarchy, a tradition firmly established during the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Throughout August, family members are anticipated to spend considerable time at the expansive estate, making the most of its sweeping grounds and the seclusion it provides from public life.
Charles's Kilt-Wearing Tradition
Charles has been an enthusiastic adopter of the kilt during visits to Scotland, donning various tartans at public engagements, ceremonies, and Highland events. He was recently spotted greeting members of the public in Dingwall, dressed in a traditional kilt showcasing a green, blue, and red tartan pattern, complete with a sporran. Days earlier, he appeared at the Mey Highland Games in Caithness, wearing a kilt in the striking Balmoral royal tartan. While there is no official obligation for royals to wear a kilt in Scotland, Charles has consistently chosen to honour the traditional attire.
His stance contrasts with that of his eldest son, Prince William. The Prince of Wales has seldom, if at all, been spotted wearing a kilt during his grown-up public appearances. Some of the most recent widely circulated photos of William in traditional dress date back to his younger years, when he posed with his younger brother, Prince Harry, for official family photographs.
William's Scottish Ties and the Balmoral Tartan
William has never openly addressed why he seems hesitant to wear a kilt, despite his profound ties to Scotland. He bears the Scottish titles of Duke of Rothesay and Lord of the Isles and resided in the country for several years while studying at the University of St Andrews. Even for his university graduation ceremony, William opted against wearing a kilt. His choice is especially striking given the Royal Family's longstanding connection with the traditional Scottish dress.
The royals even possess their own tartan, referred to as the Balmoral tartan. The characteristic grey, black, and red pattern was designed by Prince Albert in 1857 and has become strongly linked with the family and their Scottish residence.
Expected Balmoral Visit and Expert Insight
While William may not be anticipated to resurrect the royal kilt tradition this summer, he and the Princess of Wales are expected to undertake their annual journey to Balmoral with their three children. The family visit is expected to occur before Prince George commences his secondary education at Eton College in September, representing another significant milestone for the Wales family.
Royal expert Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, told the Mirror that Balmoral's isolated location and striking scenery afford the family a chance to step away from the demands of their public duties. She said: "The summer stay up there has always been a time primarily for William, Catherine and the rest of the family to gather in the peace of the Scottish countryside after the busyness and noise of their working lives in London and elsewhere."
Bond added: "It's a 'breathe, relax and be still' kind of place, and that's what they all love about it. Its beauty is undeniable, but the castle really is quite remote, and it's the sort of place where you have to make your own fun." She noted that generations of the Royal Family seem well equipped to do so, as they walk, romp, play games, ride, fish, and shoot when in season.
Bond concluded: "The Balmoral holiday is an important tradition for the family when quite a lot of them can spend time together away from work, away from the cameras and very seriously off-duty. Generation after generation seem to have fallen under the spell of the castle and its grounds."
