The Enigmatic Significance of this Regal Scarf: A Weekly Spotlight
Discover the intriguing symbolism behind the royal family's choice of scarf at Christmas Believed to be a heartfelt present from King Charles, this accessory holds a deeper significance for the British royals
Editors Note: Look of the Week is a recurring segment that delves into the most buzzed-about outfit of the past seven days, showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Do you and your family coordinate your pajamas for Christmas morning? This trend has become a way for people to make assumptions about a stranger's family dynamics. One post on X expressed, "If you come from a matching PJs family I can't relate to you at all." Another person said, "I wish my family were the kind to wear matching PJs."
Whether true or not, the collective choice of matching outfits conveys a strong message of solidarity and unity, even if it only lasts long enough for a family photo. This could be why a handful of British royals wore the same scarf during their annual Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, England.
Lady Louise Windsor was also spotted in the scarf, designed by King Charles.
Princess Anne, her husband Timothy Laurence, and Lady Louise Windsor were spotted wearing the "Highgrove Heritage Scarf," a merino wool accessory designed by Prince Charles. The scarf, featuring the traditional "Prince of Wales" check in "warm honey" and gray, was created as part of a collaboration between Charles' private estate, Highgrove, his charity, The Kings Foundation, and the Scottish knitwear label, Johnstons of Elgin. Proceeds from the scarf sales support Charles' sustainable foundation. This special piece, reportedly a gift from Charles to his family, is available for pre-order on the Highgrove website for £115 ($146) with an expected delivery date of April 2024. Capture: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/UK Press/Getty Images
It has long been known that Queen Elizabeth was adept at utilizing the soft power potential of fashion, but the opportunities for the King to showcase his sartorial prowess are more limited. The family scarf serves as a reminder of Charles's charitable endeavors, his promotion of British trade, his concern for the environment (the wool is "sustainably sourced with complete traceability," according to the estates website), and by crediting him as the designer, it even positions him as creatively inclined.
Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in the matching "Heritage Highgrove Scarf."
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
The Kardashian-Jenners, a well-known family, also utilize the same effective marketing strategy. With their ownership of over 13 businesses, they regularly promote each other's ventures. They ensure that Instagram selfies featuring Skims, Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand worth $4 billion, include strategically placed tags. Whether it's Kim showcasing Kylie Jenner's latest clothing line or Kris Jenner endorsing her daughter Kendall's 818 branded tequila, their joint promotion efforts uphold the mantra that families who promote together, stay together.
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The royal family's promotion of Charles heritage scarf is likely intentional, similar to a sponsored Instagram post. The public's reaction has been comparable to a 12-person matching pyjama set. One response on X stated, "The matching scarf is a nice touch," while another added, "This sends a strong and clear message that they stand united as a family behind King Charles and Queen Camilla."
