King Charles, 74, has worn kilts since he was a young child, which is probably why he always appears so at ease wearing one.
The kilt can appear mournful, as it did when Charles kept watch at his mother’s coffin last September, or casual, as it did when he posed for pictures with Diana during their honeymoon along the banks of the River Dee.
Prince William, on the other hand, does not emulate his father’s traditional sense of style, even when he ventures into Scotland.
Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, was the person who created the family’s Balmoral tartan print – hence why it is known as the Prince of Wales tartan.
Ever since then, generations of royals have donned kilts whenever they’ve visited Scotland.
King Charles III is anticipated to display the Balmoral Kilt once more when he travels to Scotland this week to stay at the Castle of Mey.
But William, 41, who has succeeded his father as Duke of Rothesay and Lord of the Isles, has not donned any tartan since he was a young boy.
A Balmoral Kilt with eight yards of material and flashes costs £395 from the online kilt store Clan.
They can be purchased in the traditional Prince of Wales tartan, as well as styles like Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan – a particular favourite of the King’s.
King Charles wore the latter design when he stood guard over the late Queen’s coffin whilst in Edinburgh last year.
William’s reluctance to wear a kilt has prompted a comment from the King’s Scottish tailor, John Sugden, who owns Campbell’s of Beauly.
The designer, who also holds a Royal Warrant, said: “We would be happy to tailor a kilt for the Prince of Wales should the opportunity arise.
“His father is a very keen wearer of Highland dress and a great supporter of Scottish traditions.”
The King, in contrast to the Prince, has a large collection of kilts, coats, sporrans, and socks.
For instance, in 1955, to commemorate his seventh birthday, Buckingham Palace issued a picture of Charles dressed in Balmoral tartan on the grounds of the family’s Scottish estate.
In addition, he posted a picture of himself with William and Harry on the banks of the River Dee in 1997 for Father’s Day this year, where he wore Lord of the Isles tartan.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also appeared at Crathie Church next to the Balmoral Estate wearing matching tartan suits on their first wedding anniversary in 2006.
