At a Glance
- Prince William held Princess Kate’s coat while she tried weaving tartan in Stirling, Scotland on Jan. 20, 2026
- The couple visited Radical Weavers to spotlight how heritage crafts connect communities
- Kate gently touched William’s arm during the visit, reflecting their more tactile public dynamic
- Why it matters: The moment shows the Waleses’ relaxed rapport after Kate’s cancer treatment
Prince William quietly stepped in to help his wife during a Jan. 20 visit to a Scottish weaving studio, folding her tartan jacket and stifling a smile as cameras captured the casual exchange.
The Prince and Princess of Wales toured Radical Weavers in Stirling to showcase how traditional handweaving continues to unite local residents and inspire younger generations. The stop was the second of three engagements they completed that Tuesday.
The Coat Moment
Video shared to Instagram shows Kate Middleton removing her blue tartan jacket before sitting at a loom. Prince William, 43, immediately took the coat, folded the bespoke piece, and appeared to hold back a grin while standing behind her.
The jacket, designed by Chris Kerr, a second-generation London tailor, was crafted from Johnstons of Elgin wool-both choices nodding to Scottish heritage. According to Vogue, Princess Kate, 44, helped design the blue plaid coat, a possible first for her as a credited collaborator. The color scheme also echoed Scotland’s blue-and-white national flag.
A Tactile Turn
Inside the working studio, the couple shared a light moment. Kate laughed and placed a hand on William’s arm-one of several increasingly tactile gestures the pair have displayed in public since Kate’s health journey.
In March 2024, the princess announced she was undergoing cancer treatment. She completed chemotherapy that September and revealed in January 2025 that she is in remission.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward previously told News Of Los Angeles that the couple now welcomes being seen as “touchy-feely.”
“They’re in a different phase of their life now. William is very protective and very proud of her for coming through this and carrying on with her life,” Seward said.
Engagement Overview
- Morning: The Waleses began at the National Curling Academy, also in Stirling, where they met young athletes and tried their hand at the sport.
- Mid-day: At Radical Weavers, they observed artisans creating tartan on traditional looms and attempted weaving themselves.
- Afternoon: Their final stop focused on community programs that use heritage crafts to support mental health and social cohesion.
Each location underscored the royal theme of celebrating Scottish culture while highlighting modern community benefits.
Fashion Notes
Princess Kate’s wardrobe choices reinforced the day’s messaging:
| Garment | Details | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Blue tartan coat | Designed with Chris Kerr, Johnstons of Elgin wool | Scottish fibers, bespoke British tailoring |
| Understone dress | Simple silhouette | Allowed the coat to stand out |
| Black pumps | Classic style | Kept focus on local crafts |
Prince William wore a navy suit and lighter blue tie, complementing his wife’s palette without matching the tartan directly.
Public Reaction
Social media clips of William holding the coat quickly circulated, with commenters praising the spontaneous gesture. The moment lasted only seconds but fed into the ongoing narrative of a couple growing more relaxed in their public roles.
Context of the Visit
The Stirling engagements came midway through the Waleses’ annual winter tour of Scotland, a tradition aimed at strengthening ties between the monarchy and Scottish communities. Previous days included meetings with emergency responders, youth charities, and environmental projects across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Prince William’s instinct to help his wife highlighted their day-to-day dynamic away from formal protocol
- Kate’s collaborative design credit on the coat signals expanding creative involvement in her wardrobe
- The couple’s increased public affection reflects confidence after a challenging medical period
- Radical Weavers gained global exposure, potentially boosting sales and workshop sign-ups
The visit ended with the pair thanking staff and promising to showcase the studio’s textiles at future royal events, ensuring the centuries-old craft reaches wider audiences.
