The Princess of Wales made a striking sartorial statement as she arrived in Scotland for a series of joint engagements with Prince William on Tuesday. Kate Middleton, 44, captivated onlookers in a custom royal blue tartan coat, expertly crafted by renowned Savile Row menswear tailor Chris Kerr. The double-breasted navy masterpiece was paired with a simple black turtleneck from high-street favourite Zara, showcasing the princess's knack for blending high fashion with accessible pieces.
A Royal Couple's Scottish Sojourn
William and Kate, who also hold the titles Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, embarked on a two-day visit to Stirling and Falkirk. The tour is designed to highlight and promote Scotland's rich heritage traditions, illustrating how these cultural touchstones continue to foster community connections and inspire younger generations. Their first port of call was the iconic Kelpies in Stirling, where the couple posed for photographs in front of the majestic 100-foot-tall horse head sculptures. While Kate radiated in her bespoke coat, Prince William complemented her look perfectly with a smart navy sweater.
Hands-On with Heritage at Radical Weavers
The royal itinerary included a visit to Radical Weavers, a tartan-weaving studio and independent charity based in Stirling. Here, the future Queen Consort received a hands-on lesson in the ancient craft. In a charming moment, Kate handed her coat to Prince William before sitting down to create a red and black weave. William was seen observing his wife patiently, a scene that delighted royal watchers. A clip from the studio circulated on social media, with one user effusing, 'What a lovely couple they are, we are so lucky to have these two, our future King and Queen.'
On the Ice with Olympic Curlers
Earlier in the day, the Prince and Princess of Wales joined members of the British Olympic and Paralympic curling teams in Stirling for a sporting challenge. Curling, which originated in Scotland some 500 years ago, is one of the nation's most successful winter sports. Team GB and ParalympicsGB have secured eight medals in total. Skips Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds provided a five-minute demonstration on technique.
Prince William confidently took the first attempt, sliding a stone down the ice with a determined 'here we go, let's see what happens.' When it was Catherine's turn, she appeared more apprehensive, holding onto her husband's arm as she stepped onto the 45-metre sheet. William offered encouragement, advising her to 'Just lean on both, Catherine,' as she used a delivery stick for beginners. The couple's efforts highlighted the surprising difficulty of mastering the sport.
Continuity of Royal Duties
This Scottish tour follows closely on the heels of another significant engagement for the Princess of Wales. Just last week, Kate, in her role as patron of the Rugby Football Union, hosted a glittering reception at Windsor Castle for the World Cup-winning England women's rugby team, the Red Roses. For that occasion, she chose a striking scarlet suit by Alexander McQueen, a clear nod to the team's nickname.
The Band of the Irish Guards, of which the Princess is Colonel, provided a musical welcome. The visit to Scotland underscores the royal couple's ongoing commitment to celebrating national heritage, supporting charitable causes, and engaging with communities across the United Kingdom. Kate's choice of a bespoke tartan coat for the occasion served as a powerful and elegant symbol of this dedication to Scottish culture.
