The Monarchy and the kilt

[Urchurdan]

We have been talking about the Duke of Rothesay in another thread, and about a certain pair of kilt hose he wears. I am a bit weary discussing them, you either like them or you don't.
However the fact that I don't, doesn't detract from my admiration of someone who wears the kilt with such aplomb, it is obvious that he enjoys wearing it, and he does at every suitable occasion. The fact that very occasionally he appears like the rest of us to get it a bit wrong is great, it proves he is human and as a public figure, he is not above criticism-no Prince or Pauper is - not in Scotland anyway..
I can't help wondering though if we are seeing the last of the Royal Males to wear the kilt, I have watched the younger Royals - especially his two sons, and have never seen them in a kilt.
Even at Balmoral, when visiting the Braemar Games they are never kilted. Charles gained his love of Scotland and the kilt from his Grandmother, who instilled an appreciation of Scotland into him and his Sister Anne especially.
I am of the opinion though, that this love has been diluted now, and the boys are unashamedly English through and through - nothing wrong with that, that is what they are, and they should be proud of it, however, I fear it is the demise of us seeing a Royal in a kilt.
I would think that even if either of them did, it will be out of a sense of duty, and as such, they will never carry it off with the same self assurance as their Father.

[artificer]

Maybe they need to marry back into German nobility again, it worked pretty well with Prince Albert

Sorry, this is just my little joke, as it make me (who is as Scottish as Prince Albert) feel more justified in wearing the kilt.

I think you may be right. The boys seem to have no love for the kilt, which is a pity. Both are striking, handsome young lads that would cut quite a dash when kilted up like dad. But, perhaps, this is part of the issue. Dad (Rothesay) IS known for his panache when kilted.

Maybe the boys wish to follow their own path and NOT be "daddy's little boy". Goodness knows I went through that, and I didn't grow up in the public eye (thank the gods).

Perhaps, in the fullness of time, one or both of them will explore the further-flung parts of the realm and it's wonderful (historical) habits of dress.

BTW: your winking Prince Charlie ALWAYS gives me the giggles when I see it.

[Urchurdan]

Maybe the boys wish to follow their own path and NOT be "daddy's little boy". Goodness knows I went through that, and I didn't grow up in the public eye (thank the gods).

Perhaps, in the fullness of time, one or both of them will explore the further-flung parts of the realm and it's wonderful (historical) habits of dress.

Aye, I hadn't thought of it that way, times change - they were never dressed in the kilt as weans that I know of? Maybe they will age and grow into their Fathers traditions, but I do fear that William in particular will do it as a duty rather than with any particular feeling of pride...I hope I am wrong....BTW, anyone who wears the kilt with pride is justified in wearing it - wherever they hail from....

[figheadair]

- they were never dressed in the kilt as weans that I know of?

There was once. To paraphrase Michael Caine 'Not many people know this!'



The Royal Family's Christmas Card in 1986. I handwove the Prince Charles Edward tartan (Diana was a descendent of Charles II). The Scottish Tartans Society presented the kilts.

Artificer makes an interesting point. My father was a flamboyant kilt wearer and whilst I've worn the kilt since I was young it took me a long time to be comfortable in my own style

[Urchurdan]

I have never seen this pic before, I feel better now - just hope Artificer is right now.... Thanks for posting the pic...

[McClef]

It is certainly true that there has been a strong tradition of kilt wearing by royal males, at least when they are in Scotland, since the days of Queen Victoria.

But that tradition would seem to be no longer as strong, apart from Charles among the Queen's sons and Andrew and Edward are much less frequent kilt wearers.

Even studying at St Andrews did not make William any more desirous of wearing the kilt, and although there was the moratorium on him being photographed by the press no stories of occasions when he might have been kilted have come to light that I know of.

And even at Balmoral William and Harry have not followed the established tradition.

So where they have a choice it appears bifurcated garments are what they go for.

Only stern duty, when it cannot be avoided in the future, would appear to bring about them donning a kilt. This is unlikely to be until William becomes Duke of Rothesay and in the case of Harry should he be given a Scottish title.

[figheadair]

Only stern duty, when it cannot be avoided in the future, would appear to bring about them donning a kilt. This is unlikely to be until William becomes Duke of Rothesay and in the case of Harry should he be given a Scottish title.

Make each a Colonel-In-chief of one of the Royal Regiment of Scotland Battalions (http://www.royalregimentofscotland.o...nelinchief.php). That might just get the 'duty' kilt on at least.

[McClef]

None of the photos on that page appear to be kilted ones though!

(apart possibly from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh but even then the kilt has been cut out!)

[figheadair]

Good point but I think that was more to do with the rush to get the site up. Prince Philip is definitely wearing a kilt in his picture and Prince Charles always wears regimental dress when he's inspecting the Regiment. I'm not sure what HRH or Princess Anne wear.

[LewdiKris]

anyone who wears the kilt with pride is justified in wearing it - wherever they hail from....

Thank you for that, from a kilt wearing (with pride) fenman!

LK