Prince William turned heads this week not for a speech or statement, but for what he wore—or rather, what he chose not to wear.
During a state banquet held at Windsor Castle in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UK, the Prince of Wales made a subtle but notable break from royal tradition by opting for a classic white tie ensemble rather than the customary Windsor uniform.
While King Charles, Prince Edward, and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence arrived in the traditional navy tailcoat with red facings, William stood apart in formal white tie attire. His sartorial decision, though understated, quickly drew attention from royal observers.
A royal courtier later confirmed that William’s outfit was deliberate. “His Royal Highness dressed appropriately, but does not need to match his father on all occasions,” the aide said, as quoted by GB News. “He respects tradition, but does not believe that we always have to follow it.”
The Windsor uniform has long been worn by senior royals for state occasions held at the castle. Its historic design includes gold braid, red collar facings, and a bicorne hat topped with ostrich feathers—although modern versions tend to be simpler. The visual contrast between generations on this occasion was hard to miss.
Macron’s visit marked by ceremony and quiet symbolism
President Macron’s three-day state visit to the UK began with a formal welcome by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. During the banquet, the King gave a toast celebrating centuries of cultural exchange between Britain and France, referencing everyone from Claude Monet and Jane Birkin to footballer Thierry Henry.
The monarch also made a personal connection, reminding guests that Windsor Castle was originally founded by William the Conqueror—an ancestor and namesake of Prince William. “It is perhaps rather appropriate,” the King said, “that my son, the Prince of Wales… has made Windsor his home with his family, like so many of our predecessors.”
However, the evening didn’t pass without some social media speculation. A short video shared online showed William briefly seated while others around him stood to applaud. The moment—seemingly minor—sparked comments on platforms like Reddit, with some questioning whether the heir to the throne was making a quiet statement or simply caught mid-movement.
Still, the overall tone of the evening remained diplomatic and warm, as Macron’s visit continues through July 10, with a meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on cross-Channel migration.
Whether or not William’s attire was meant to signal a new approach to royal protocol, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the future king is willing to walk his own line—albeit with polished shoes.