Queen Camilla Steps Out in King Charles’ 27-Year-Old Jacket — and She May Have Worn It Better
Queen Camilla looked every bit regal when she attended the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner at the City of London Guildhall on November 27. The Queen Consort beamed in a red Fiona Clare Aldridge gown, but it was her jacket that caught the attention of royal watchers. Braving the cold, she slipped on one of King Charles's cherished possessions, traditionally known as the daqlah. The garment, tucked away in his wardrobe for 27 years, was gifted to him during his 1998 visit to Saudi Arabia.
The daqlah features intricate silver embroidery and is crafted from a blend of wool and cashmere, giving it elegance and durability. Traditionally, it is open at the front and floor-length, often worn over a standard robe, a 'thobe.' This piece was designed by renowned Saudi fashion designer Yahya Al Bishri, who is also known for creating a dress for the late Princess Diana. As with many visits by foreign dignitaries to Saudi Arabia, cultural exchanges rooted in goodwill are common, and the offering of such traditional clothing is a gesture of mutual respect. During his trip to the Asir region, Charles first debuted the garment, a memorable keepsake.
For her part, the Queen Consort has borrowed the traditional garment from her husband many times in the past to accentuate her look. Before the Biennial RIFLES Awards Dinner, she had last stepped out in the jacket in May, wearing it for a joint engagement with Charles. She was also photographed in the traditional Saudi robe while seated in the stands at Horse Guards Parade during a VE Day concert. She also wore it twice in 2022, once at the late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee concert.
Back in 2022, after noticing that the then-Duchess of Cornwall had worn his designer garment, Al Bishri told Arab News that he was 'shocked' to see Camilla don the daqlah. He mused, "It is just a great feeling to see the whole world is talking about my outfit. Actually, I was engaged with friends in a small gathering when my ex-wife called me and told me, 'Are you watching the Platinum Party (at the Palace)?' She told me that Camilla was wearing my daqlah." He added, "As a Saudi fashion designer, I am so proud and happy that international media focused on my design, talked about the outfit, and appreciated what the Duchess of Cornwall was wearing."
Coming back to her most recent appearance with the daqlah, Camilla attended the Biennial RIFLS Awards dinner as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, meeting servicemen, their families, and renowned guests. She presented awards, shared conversations with veterans, and celebrated the regiment's achievements. Her visible support for the RIFLES highlighted her longstanding commitment to the armed forces during the prestigious event.