Prince Charles thrills and confuses fans by wearing a kilt alongside mysterious accessory

Prince Charles has driven royal fans wild with his latest style choice—a tartan kilt and knee-high socks. 

• Prince Charles has delighted—and confused—fans with his latest style choice during his recent trip to Scotland. 
• The Prince of Wales arrived at a beach clean-up in the Highlands wearing a tartan kilt and knee-high socks, as well as one very mysterious accessory, 
• In other royal news, See Prince Harry’s close friend mock him in new American satire on royal family.
  

The Prince of Wales ditched his signature suit for a slightly breezier look on his recent trip to Thurso in Scotland, the northernmost town on Britain's mainland, and royal fans were more than excited. 

Charles, who goes by the title the Duke of Rothesay on Scottish soil, arrived at Scrabster Beach on Thursday to help the Caithness Beach Clean Group pick up litter from the rural bay—and show off his patriotic outfit to the public, of course. 

The Prince wore traditional Highland attire for the eco event, stepping out in a red tartan kilt, green knee-high socks, a leather pouch called a sporran, and classic black dress shoes. He paired the look with a matching grey jacket and waistcoat, crisp white shirt, and a reddish-brown tie. The bold wardrobe choice was mostly applauded by his followers, many of whom were delighted to see a variation on his go-to suit. 

"The Prince always looks more comfortable and at home in his kilt," one fan commented. 

"Looking swell in a kilt," another wrote. 

There was one outfit feature, however, that left some folks a little perplexed. Eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot a mysterious dark object peeking out of his woolen knee-high sock—and it didn't take long before questions were being asked. 

"Just curious, what is sticking out of his sock? I only see it on one side," one curious fan wrote. 

The item was, in fact, a dirk—or in layman's terms, a long knife. While it may not seem very royal to carry around weapons, the dagger is a staple accessory in the Scottish Highland dress. It was historically used to prepare food and defend in battle but is now simply worn as a decorative detail. 

While it's not every day he steps out in the plaid look, Charles is no rookie when it comes to kilts. He often wears the pleated skirt when staying at his royal residence of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, as a mark of respect for the Caledonian culture. The Prince doesn't just don any old tartan, however. 

The Royal Family often wears tartan designed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert—a tradition dating back to 1957. The exclusive pattern can only be worn by members of the British monarchy and must be approved by the Queen beforehand.