Future king appears ready to move away from a custom followed by the Royal Family for generations
King Charles has modernised several aspects of royal life, but there are still many long-standing traditions he remains eager to preserve.
Prince William, however, appears willing to take that process of change even further. One custom he seems unlikely to embrace is the Royal Family’s tradition of wearing kilts during summer visits to Scotland.
The royals usually gather at Balmoral during their annual summer break, where they enjoy outdoor activities and attend events such as the Mey Highland Games in Caithness.
King Charles has frequently worn a kilt on public outings in Scotland, reflecting his respect for the country’s culture and his close connection to the region.
William, by contrast, has rarely been seen wearing the traditional Scottish garment. It is believed that the Prince of Wales last appeared in a kilt when he was a young boy alongside his brother, Prince Harry.
In Scotland, William and Catherine are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. Despite holding the historic titles and carrying out numerous engagements north of the border, William has shown little sign that he intends to follow his father’s example when it comes to royal tartan.
Balmoral remains an important part of royal life and was especially cherished by the late Queen Elizabeth II. William is expected to continue visiting the Scottish estate with his family, but his reluctance to wear a kilt suggests this particular tradition may quietly disappear when he becomes king.
However, the prince has not publicly confirmed that he has formally rejected the custom.
