All eyes will be on Prince William's wardrobe this week as he and the Princess of Wales embark on a series of engagements north of the border. The burning question for many royal observers is a sartorial one: will the future King finally be pictured wearing a kilt in public?
A Decades-Long Avoidance of Tartan
Despite his father, King Charles, being frequently and proudly photographed in tartan, there has not been a single public image of Prince William in the traditional Scottish garment since his childhood. This notable absence spans over two decades, even though William was educated at the University of St Andrews in Fife and has spent considerable time at the royal family's Scottish estates.
The Prince of Wales himself hinted at the possibility long ago. In 2003, a month before his 21st birthday, he reportedly stated: 'I have worn a kilt in private and I'm not saying I will never wear one in public. I haven't got into it yet.' Nearly twenty-three years later, that public debut has yet to materialise.
Scottish Engagements and a Lingering Question
William and Kate, who also hold the Scottish titles Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, are scheduled to visit Stirling and Falkirk on January 20. Their itinerary is focused on celebrating Scottish heritage, including trying curling with GB and Paralympic squads and learning the art of tartan weaving.
The topic of William's potential kilt-wearing was raised on The Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast. Diary Editor Richard Eden asked Royal Editor Rebecca English if the visit would prompt the sartorial shift. Host Jo Elvin reminded Eden of a promise to wear a kilt himself if William ever did, to which the editor quipped: 'Oh god, I'm getting nervous now, a shiver has gone down my spine.'
Rebecca English confirmed the day would include another, security-sensitive engagement, describing the plans as 'a really good, fun day.'
A Royal Tradition William Has Yet to Embrace
The royal family's deep ties to Scotland are centuries old, with properties including Balmoral, Birkhall, and the Castle of Mey. The tradition of royals wearing tartan kilts is well-established, dating back to Queen Victoria's reign and enthusiastically continued by King Charles. King George V, George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and their children all observed the custom.
Yet William has consistently opted out. He chose a traditional suit over a kilt for his 2005 university graduation. At the 2005 Braemar Gathering—a key event in the royal calendar—he wore a navy lounge suit while his father was attired in a kilt and tweed jacket. Even at his 2011 wedding to Kate at Westminster Abbey, he wore his Irish Guards uniform.
When asked during a 2011 visit to St Andrews if William would wear a kilt to marry her, Kate Middleton simply replied: 'I don't think so.'
Royal tartans like the Royal Stewart and the exclusive Balmoral Tartan—created for Queen Victoria and now reserved for the monarch—are powerful symbols of heritage. As former Daily Mail editor Richard Kay once explained, the Windsors have unique 'house rules' for Scotland, where men typically wear kilts both on and off duty.
This week's visit to Scotland presents another prime opportunity. Whether the Prince of Wales will now choose to embrace this esteemed element of his family's Scottish identity remains the outfit question of the day.
