The Monarchy and the kilt

**figheadair** · 16th October 10, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by Urchurdan

- 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** · 16th October 10, 02:30 AM

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

**McClef** · 16th October 10, 02:59 AM

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** · 16th October 10, 04:12 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

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** · 16th October 10, 04:39 AM

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** · 16th October 10, 11:53 AM

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.

**Sylvain** · 17th October 10, 03:56 PM

Mistake

**Sylvain** · 17th October 10, 03:59 PM

1986? Charles was 38 then!

Originally Posted by figheadair

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).

**artificer** · 17th October 10, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Sylvain

1986? Charles was 38 then!

Aye, the little one on the left is William, the seated boy in the center is Harry, if I'm not mistaken?

**McClef** · 18th October 10, 12:19 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

Aye, the little one on the left is William, the seated boy in the center is Harry, if I'm not mistaken?

You are correct.

The boy behind Harry is Peter Phillips and the girl on the right is Zara Phillips - they are the children of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal by her first marriage.