Prince William has been defended by a royal expert for not wearing kilts, as she urged his critics to “give him a break” as he already “has to obey so many rules”.
The Prince reportedly hates wearing the traditional Scottish garment, in spite of the monarchy’s proud links to the country, with King Charles donning his favourite tartan at every opportunity.
Writing in the Telegraph last weekend, Alan Cochrane claimed William “should accept wearing one whilst working, and certainly at Balmoral, or while on official duty north of the Highland line”, adding that the kilt “should be regarded as part of his uniform”.
However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes it is not an issue of disrespect but merely one of comfort for the future King, as he was forced to wear one as a child.
She told OK! magazine: “Give the man a break! Poor William has to obey so many rules and observe so many conventions.
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“He even had to put up with his grandmother telling him what uniform to wear for his wedding – and even that he had to shave off his beard.
“If he doesn’t feel comfortable wearing a kilt, then I don’t think anyone should be begrudge him his right to wear what he wants.
“He looks great in almost anything he wears, and he’d probably look fabulous in a kilt. But surely, it’s his choice, and his right!”
He may not love a kilt but William clearly loves Scotland, as he explained how being in the country brought him comfort during an extremely painful time.
During an opening address at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2021, the Prince said: “Scotland is a source of some of my happiest memories but also my saddest.
“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning and in the dark days of grief that followed I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors.
“As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”
Scotland is also the place where William met his now-wife Princess Kate, when they were students together at St Andrews University.
The King was happily sporting his beloved kilt just yesterday, as he paid a visit to the 8 Doors Distillery in John O’Groats, the country’s most northerly mainland distillery.
The royals will shortly embark on their annual summer holiday to Balmoral, where Charles and Queen Camilla will be presiding over events for the first time as monarchs.
