Prince Charles-an exemplar.

**James** · 20th June 06, 05:51 AM

Coming in a bit late, there was mention of Prince Charles not wearing the Kilt to a function at Holyrood Palace.

I'm not privy to the actuality of the royal dress code: but that Palace is south of the Highland Line, so on the face of it, he is correct not to wear the kilt on such a DO event: when a lounge suit is more appropriate.

British dress protocols are an absolute minefield, and much is 'known' rather than stated-set down in written rules.

This is why I probably appear a bit awkward on this board-for though nowadays I'm a kilt slob, with a side sporran, and hillwalker. When it somes to the what where and how of kilt wearing: I look to what I was told as a child, and such exemplars as those long experienced kiltwearers I've met/seen at gatherings, functions and the like.

To illustrate this a bit further, some years ago our chief visited London, and there was a rather grand dinner-but there was not a scrap of tartan to be seen. For the event being in London, the correct wear was a dinner jacket.

By the same token for a Burns supper, though my inclination would be to wear the kilt: he was a lowlander-so my instincts would tell me to wear a dinner jacket, for that was how I was brought up. Though today I'd probably ask around and see what the other chaps were wearing, and given the chance wear the kilt.

Therefore I would suggest that it is well worthwhile looking at such examplars as Prince Charles, actual Clan Chiefs and elders-to see how they dress: for whilst it is healty for highland dress to evolve to meet the times: it is best not to turn it into fancy dress-or some sort of Brigadoon costume.

To end on a laugh, I mostly wear the kilt these days, but on occasion when attending highland events-I'll wear a suit as being more appropriate.

James