Why King Charles wears a knife with his Highland outfit

Royal watchers did a double take this week when King Charles stepped out in full Scottish regalia, and was spotted carrying a knife.

While visiting Scrabster Harbour on Monday to attend a reception for Caithness communities, the 76-year-old monarch wore traditional Highland dress, complete with a kilt and a ceremonial dagger known as a sgian-dubh, discreetly tucked into his sock.

The sgian-dubh, a small single-edged knife traditionally worn with Scottish Highland attire, isn’t there for protection or utility, it’s symbolic. 

The blade, sheathed and positioned so only the ornate handle peeks out above the sock, is part of formal Highland dress and is perfectly legal to carry in the UK as a ceremonial accessory.

It’s not the first time King Charles has been spotted wearing the sgian-dubh. 

He regularly dons the traditional blade when wearing a kilt, especially during summer visits to Scotland, a season the royals typically spend at their estates in the Highlands.

Although Balmoral Castle has long been the go-to royal retreat, this year’s holiday plans are slightly different. 

Charles is expected to favour Birkhall, his late grandmother’s home adjacent to Balmoral, which he reportedly finds “quiet, cosy, and personal,” according to former royal butler Paul Burrell.

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