The Royal Family are preparing to head north to Scotland for their customary summer getaway, with Balmoral poised to become the hub of royal activity once more in the forthcoming weeks. The Aberdeenshire residence has served as a cherished summer retreat for successive generations of royals, with the late Queen Elizabeth II playing a key role in establishing the tradition throughout her reign. Family members are anticipated to visit the expansive estate during August, making use of its extensive grounds and the seclusion it provides from the demands of royal duties.
King Charles' kilt tradition
The yearly break provides the royals with an opportunity to enjoy quality time together before their hectic diaries restart in September, The Mirror reported. However, while Balmoral is closely linked with family gatherings and countryside activities, there exists another Scottish custom strongly connected with the King. Charles has frequently adopted the kilt during his visits north of the border, donning various tartans for official appearances, ceremonial occasions and Highland gatherings.
The monarch was spotted recently greeting well-wishers in Dingwall while dressed in traditional Highland attire featuring a green, blue and red tartan design, complete with a sporran. Only days before, he participated in the Mey Highland Games in Caithness wearing a kilt in the recognisable Balmoral royal tartan.
Prince William's choice
No official obligation exists for Royal Family members to don a kilt while in Scotland, yet Charles has repeatedly opted to adopt the customary garment. His stance seems to contrast with that of his eldest son, Prince William. The Prince of Wales has seldom, if at all, been spotted wearing a kilt during his grown-up public appearances. Indeed, some of the most recent widely circulated photographs of William in the traditional outfit hark back to his younger years, when he posed with his brother, Prince Harry, for official family pictures.
William has never openly addressed why he seems hesitant to don a kilt, despite his deep ties to Scotland. The future monarch carries the Scottish titles of Duke of Rothesay and Lord of the Isles and resided in the country for several years while attending the University of St Andrews. Even for his university graduation ceremony, William opted against wearing a kilt.
Balmoral tartan and family traditions
The Prince's choice is especially striking considering the Royal Family's enduring relationship with the traditional Scottish attire. The royals even possess their own tartan, referred to as the Balmoral tartan. The characteristic grey, black and red pattern was designed by Prince Albert in 1857 and has become intrinsically linked with the family and their Scottish residence.
While William may not be anticipated to resurrect the royal kilt tradition this summer, he and the Princess of Wales are due to make their yearly journey to Balmoral with their three youngsters. The family visit is scheduled to occur before Prince George commences his secondary schooling at Eton College in September, representing another significant transition for the Wales household.
Royal commentator's view
Royal commentator Jennie Bond believes the Scottish estate will offer the ideal backdrop for the family to recharge ahead of what is set to be another gruelling period for the royals. Speaking to the Mirror, the former BBC royal correspondent said Balmoral's secluded location and striking landscape afford the family a chance to retreat from the demands of their public duties.
She said: "The summer stay up there has always been a time primarily for William, Catherine and the rest of the family to gather in the peace of the Scottish countryside after the busyness and noise of their working lives in London and elsewhere. It's a 'breathe, relax and be still' kind of place, and that's what they all love about it. Its beauty is undeniable, but the castle really is quite remote, and it's the sort of place where you have to make your own fun."
"That, however, is something that generations of the Royal Family seem very well equipped to do. They walk and romp, play games and ride, and fish and shoot (when in season) - it's part of Balmoral life. The Balmoral holiday is an important tradition for the family when quite a lot of them can spend time together away from work, away from the cameras and very seriously off-duty. Generation after generation seem to have fallen under the spell of the castle and its grounds."
