King Charles is earning praise for fully embracing Scottish tradition — and in doing so, he’s quietly drawing comparisons to his son and heir, Prince William, who has yet to follow suit.
During his ongoing Holyrood Week visit to Scotland, King Charles was spotted wearing a traditional kilt, complete with a sporran and tartan knee socks, as he toured Campbeltown alongside Queen Camilla. The moment was captured in a video shared by the royal family, and quickly drew attention for more than just the monarch’s attire.
Notably, Prince William, despite holding multiple Scottish titles including Duke of Rothesay, has rarely—if ever—been seen wearing a kilt in public, a choice that has drawn quiet criticism from Scottish royal watchers.
Royal observers say King Charles’ decision to proudly wear the kilt reinforces his deep respect for Scottish heritage, especially during Holyrood Week — the monarchy’s annual tradition celebrating Scotland and its people. Meanwhile, William’s avoidance of the garment has become more noticeable as he takes on a more prominent royal role.
According to BBC, the king wasn’t just dressed for the occasion — he also kept warm in the wet and windy weather with a dram of 25-year-old Glen Scotia whisky, enjoying a taste of local craftsmanship in a town long known for its distilleries.
Despite the rain and chill, the King and Queen were met with enthusiastic crowds. Over a thousand well-wishers lined the streets of Argyll and Bute to catch a glimpse of the royal couple as they toured the historic town.
While Prince William continues to rise in royal stature, his father's wholehearted embrace of Scottish tradition may serve as a subtle but meaningful reminder of the symbolic gestures that matter — especially in regions where tradition runs deep.