Prince William is the talk of the town north of the border over his apparent aversion to kilts.

While the King regularly dresses up in tartan, it seems the Prince of Wales is not a fan.

It has been noted recently that William – who holds several Scottish titles including Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Lord of the Isles, Baron of Renfrew, and Great Steward of Scotland – hasn’t been seen in public wearing a kilt since childhood.

At his graduation from the University of St Andrews, William wore a suit, shirt and bow tie underneath his academic robe.

For his wedding, he donned the red tunic of a colonel of the Irish Guards.

At his father’s coronation, William wore the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards and during this year’s Royal Week, he dressed up in Order of the Thistle robes as the King was presented with the Honours of Scotland.

But for William, there was not a single kilt in sight.

In contrast, the King regularly wears traditional Scottish dress during engagements north of the border.

Even the late Queen Elizabeth seemed fond of a tartan skirt and was wearing one at Balmoral Castle during her final public engagement. She was also often seen wrapped up in a tartan blanket at the annual Braemar Gathering.

Kensington Palace has declined to comment on the topic, but we took to the streets of Clackmannanshire – the smallest county in Scotland and dubbed “The Wee County” – to find out what Scots think of it.

John Mitchell, from Sauchie, said: “It would be nice to see him in a kilt.

“The Royals have strong links to Scotland. King Charles went to school at Gordonstoun, Princess Margaret was born at Glamis Castle, and Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral.

“The King is always suited and booted in his kilt and tartan for any Highland Games.”

Mr Mitchell joked: “It’s not a big deal that William doesn’t wear a kilt though. I’m more concerned about who he’d support in an England versus Scotland football match.”

Cherl Young, assistant manager of The Salvation Army store in Alloa, said kilts are normally snapped up fast in the charity shop.

She explained that renting a kilt can be expensive, especially for those struggling during the cost of living crisis, and she has seen customers buy multiple kilts at once whenever they are in stock.

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Although apparently not popular with Prince William, Ms Young said those in Clackmannanshire love a kilt.

Betty McGhie, from Alva, is also a fan, saying: “The King looks smart and regal when he wears one. I’d love to see William and his boys in a kilt.”

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Ms McGhie joked: “I don’t know why he wouldn’t wear one. Maybe he doesn’t have any taste or style and just doesn’t like tartan.”

But not everyone thinks the future king should have to wear a kilt or don tartan while in Scotland.

Avril Hamilton, from Clackmannan, said: “It’s up to him. If that’s the way he feels, then he doesn’t need to wear one.”

Steven Morrison, from Alloa, agreed, saying: “It’s not a big deal. I would choose a nice suit over a kilt too. The boy has served in the military, so he probably prefers to wear a uniform.”

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