In fact, whether she’s heading off on international tours, to formal meetings or attending royal receptions, the Princess of Wales is a fan of slipping into suiting for a range of public engagements. Her go-to labels for slick two-pieces include Emilia Wickstead and some high street designers like Massimo Dutti, and she isn’t afraid to experiment with bright colours – her suit wardrobe runs the gamut from deep magenta and bright red to plum, teal, navy and optic white.
This may, however, be Kate’s last outing in formal attire for at least a few weeks. Every August, the royal family makes the 516-mile journey north to enjoy time off at Balmoral, where kilts and wellies are the order of the day. Often described as the late Queen’s favourite home, Balmoral remains a place of rest and respite for the family – and it’s likely that Kate, William and their children will decamp with the rest of them to fish, ride and walk.
The whole royal family decamp to Balmoral for a few weeks in August, to fish, walk and ride
Tim Graham/Getty Images
When in Scotland, the Waleses do not stay in the 52-bedroom castle like the rest of the family, however – but in their own cottage, nestled in a secluded spot on the 5,000 acre estate. Gifted to the Prince by his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, just before she died in 2002, Tam-Na-Ghar is outwardly small and simple. A three-bedroom cottage built in the traditional style of Scottish lodges, it is shrouded in secrecy, with very few photographs of its exterior – and none of its interior – released to the public.