The secret behind Prince Charles’ suit as he and Duchess Camilla attend poignant reception

Prince Charles is reportedly 'expected' to follow tradition with his suits and chose a light-weight option for his latest visit...

The secret behind Prince Charles' suit revealed, seen here as he visits HMS Queen Elizabeth, on July 20, 2022 in Portsmouth, England
(Image credit: Photo by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The secret behind Prince Charles’ suit might surprise some as he and Duchess Camilla attended a poignant reception aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth.


As senior members of the extended Royal Family, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla have had an exceptionally busy schedule so far this year and the past few weeks have been no exception. Following on from a successful Holyrood Week and Wales Week, the future King and Queen Consort braved the UK’s scorching temperatures during their tour of Devon and Cornwall. Now after days of exciting visits ranging from Mousehole harbor to Torquay, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have attended an important reception.

Boarding the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, on July 20, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla reflected on the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Conflict. 

Taking to social media, both Royal Family and Clarence House accounts shared a series of heartfelt snaps as Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla met with veterans and representatives from HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS Prince of Wales. They also met with those from the South Atlantic Medal Association 82, of which Prince Charles is Royal Patron. 

As revealed by the Clarence House caption, over the UK and the South Atlantic, events and commemorations have been held in tribute this year. Whilst on June 14, national acts of thanksgiving took place simultaneously for the 255 Service Personnel who gave their lives in the conflict. 

Both Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla looked visibly moved at the poignant reception. In light of this military anniversary the Prince, who is first in the royal line of succession, opted to wear a light-weight beige suit complete with what looks to be ten military medals pinned to it.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales visits HMS Queen Elizabeth, on July 20, 2022 in Portsmouth, England

(Image credit: Photo by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

And despite the formality of the occasion and persisting high temperatures in the UK, there’s reportedly a secret behind Prince Charles’ suit that helps keep it looking pristine for prominent engagements. Opening up to OK! Jo McLaren from N.Peal has suggested that royal men are apparently “expected” to wear a vest for casual days. 

“For casual days, men are expected to wear blazers with a collared shirt and chinos and a vest underneath, even in the warmest of climes,” Jo claimed, before going on to explain that this unusual tradition could actually help the royals look put-together in hot weather.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit HMS Queen Elizabeth, on July 20, 2022 in Portsmouth, England

(Image credit: Photo by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The fashion expert alleged that a vest is worn “to absorb any sweat and therefore prevent this from showing on the subsequent layers, avoiding any staining, marks or transparency, acting as a cooling layer against the skin.”

So it seems that Prince Charles’ crisp suit could perhaps have been kept looking pristine in the heat thanks to a vest layer. And given the significance of the anniversary, this attention-to-detail from the Prince of Wales is certainly admirable to see as he spoke with so many brave veterans and representatives. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!