Prince Charles Wore a Kilt on a Scottish Beach Trip
Prince Charles Wore a Kilt on a Scottish Beach Trip
Everyone deserves a little fun in the sun, and that includes the British royal family. Whether they’re jet-setting to their favorite islands for some R&R, meeting with foreign diplomats to conduct business matters, or even trying their hand at “land yachting" on the sands of Scotland, it’s clear that—just like with most of us—everything is better when the royals are by the beach. No matter if they’re hitting the shores for work or play, the royals are always serving style inspiration, from Princess Diana’s laid-back cheetah look to Meghan Markle’s polished autumn ensemble.
With summer in full swing and beach trips on the *horizon*, we’re taking a look back at our favorite photos of the royals at the beach. Find them all below.
July 29, 2021
Prince Charles opted out of traditional beach attire and instead chose a kilt and green knee socks. He wore the traditional garb for a visit to the Caithness Beach Clean Group at Scotland's Scrabster Beach.
May 26, 2021
Love (and laughter) was in the air as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a "land yachting" event on the famous West Sands beach at St Andrews, where the couple first met 20 years prior.
September 20, 2020
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex didn't have to veer too far from home for their most recent public beach trip. The royals and their two children, James, Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor took to the shores of Southsea beach in Portsmouth, England, to participate in the Great British Beach Clean.
October 19, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fully committed to the beach vibes during a visit to Bondi Beach, one stop on their 16-day tour across Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The couple wore leis as they participated in a number of activities with a mental health awareness group.
October 18, 2018
Beaches were aplenty on Meghan and Harry's royal tour of Australia, and even in colder weather the couple made their way to the shores of Melbourne in formal-yet-still-beach-appropriate attire.
November 23, 2016
Prince Harry is seen here connecting with nature—in this case, a baby turtle—while on a trip to the turtle conservation project on St. Kitts's Lover's Beach. The prince's visit to the Caribbean marked the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana.
April 18, 2014
The Duchess of Cambridge looks effortless while running in wedges along Manly beach in Sydney, Australia during her royal tour with Prince William. The couple also brought along a baby Prince George, though he stayed out of the public eye for this portion of their trip.
March 17, 2009
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall stayed shaded while walking along the beach on North Seymour Island in the Galapagos. The couple dressed in coordinating colors and materials, keeping (as) cool (as possible) in loose, breezy fabrics.
July 28, 2003
Princess Beatrice enjoyed the jet-set life in St. Tropez, where she was spotted enjoying fun in the sun at the French Riviera beach town's iconic Club 55.
May 29, 2003
In a break from his studies at St Andrews, Prince William let loose while playing rugby on the beach near his university home.
April 11, 1990
Princess Diana embodied beachside glamour in a matching one piece and cover-up while enjoying a beach day with her sons along the shores of Necker Island.
January, 1988
During a more formal beach trip, the Princess of Wales met lifeguards as part of her royal tour of Australia. While at Terrigal beach along the country's central coast, Princess Diana chose a flowy, summery Paul Costelloe dress.
July 27, 1984
Even while playing with her corgis at a beach near Sandringham, the Queen remains put-together as ever in a light-weight coat and head scarf.
March 28, 1984
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip touch down on the shores of the Dead Sea in Jordan, where they were met by King Hussein.
July 28, 1982
Like mother like daughter: The Queen mother is seen walking with her corgi on the beach in Norfolk.
February 1, 1976
For Princess Margaret, the private island of Mustique was a place of solace, and a destination in which she could let loose and feel a sense of freedom. Here, the Queen's sister is seen chatting with a friend during a holiday trip in the 1970s.
January, 1974
Prince Charles steps out on the beaches of Australia, proving, once more, that he too is a fashion icon.
March 18, 1970
Queen Elizabeth is seen disembarking from Britannia, the royal yacht, during her royal tour of New Zealand. The monarch chose to wear her signature head scarf and casual white shoes to walk across the Ship Cove beach.
See all of our favorite photos of royals at the beach.