Every end of June, the royal family visits Edinburgh for Holyrood Week. This event brings attention to Queen Camilla's style choices, which some people are starting to view as more like a costume than a genuine expression of her role. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, once a symbol of Queen Elizabeth II's strong presence, now shows a different scene. As each summer passes, comparisons between the two queens' wardrobes become harder to overlook.
Just last weekend, Camilla wore a tartan skirt that reignited this conversation. For anyone who remembers watching Elizabeth at Balmoral, there is a nagging sense that something is missing.
Can't Out-do the Original
Any time Queen Elizabeth set foot in Scotland, she wasn't dressed for a show but a way of life. Her ensembles were built from pieces meant to withstand the rigours of the Scottish countryside: waxed barn jackets, tartan skirts, headscarves, and stout Wellington boots. Every garment served a purpose yet never sacrificed a certain regal subtlety.
Princess Eugenie described how her grandmother, the Queen, loved the Highlands. She said, 'I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands'.
The Queen often wore Hermès headscarves with her country outfits. Her Anello and Davide loafers were also well-known, just like her Launer handbags. This love for the Highlands was visible in her weathered clothes and muddy boots.
Where Camilla's Approach Falls Flat
People criticise Queen Camilla not for wearing unattractive clothes, but for her outfits seeming too curated for each event. At Crathie Kirk in Balmoral, she wore a bright green tartan skirt and a fitted jacket by Mr Roy that looked too pristine. At the Palace of Holyroodhouse in July 2024, she chose a Fiona Clare floral dress. While it was a lovely dress, it seemed more fitting for a London garden party than for the rugged Highlands.
Likewise with her footwear choices. Elizabeth often wore sturdy, practical flats and Wellies designed for tough paths. In contrast, Camilla frequently appears in knee-high boots that don't seem ready for a muddy trail.
Royal commentator Amanda Matta mentioned on TikTok about one of Camilla's looks, saying, 'This is just a costume'. The costume claim keeps coming up because Camilla's Scottish outfits look crisp, like clothes that haven't really been worn on a Scottish hillside before the photographer shows up.
Inherited vs. Tailored
There is also a deeper visual tension between the two styles. Elizabeth's tweeds carry the kind of softness that only comes from decades of real wear. Her style resembles that of a country landowner, tried-and-tested staples worn over and over, staying true to what she knows and loves. Camilla's ensembles, however beautifully made, are more modern and newly tailored. You simply cannot achieve that lived-in look from pieces you wear often or at all.
The Public Jury Is Still Very Much Out
Royal fashion communities are split on how harshly to judge this. A vocal portion of fans argues the standard is simply unfair. Elizabeth had over seventy years and a lifetime of genuine personal connection to Balmoral to build that image.
But sympathy has its limits. Three years into her reign, Camilla's Scottish wardrobe still appears forced, and this isn't just a style issue. It reflects a lack of authenticity that no amount of Mr Roy's tailoring can resolve. The real question is not whether Camilla can match Elizabeth's Highland legacy, but rather if she will ever stop trying so hard to present herself as if she could.
