Inside the star-studded runway debut of Princess Kate’s go to British heritage brand


The Princess of Wales modelled for Really Wild in 2004, and has been a fan ever since. We went behind the scenes at its first major runway show in Gleneagles


Kate Middleton Really Wild fashion show
Becky Donaldson
Becky DonaldsonHead of Fashion
13 hours ago
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As part of the King's Trust's 50th anniversary celebrations, around 200 guests including Sir Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Ewan McGregor and former Scotland footballer Gordon Strachan, gathered at Gleneagles Hotel in the heart of Scotland for an unforgettable day of fashion, music and fundraising.

Following a Laurent-Perrier welcome, reception guests were then led - by bagpipes, naturally - into the hotel's Ballroom for a runway show to unveil the Really Wild autumn/winter 2026 collection. 

The Really Wild Catwalk © © Kings Trust
The Really Wild Catwalk

The British heritage brand has been worn by Kate, The Princess of Wales for over 20 years. In July 2004, she even modelled Really Wild tweed waistcoats and breeks at the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace.

The AW26 presentation featured bespoke Nadja Swarovski capsule pieces alongside the brand's debut menswear collection, and was hosted by Ewan McGregor. "Thank you for being here for this truly special day," he said as he took to the stage. "It is my honour to be the host to this."

Before the models walked to the runway, a pre-recorded message from His Majesty The King, who reflected on the charity's remarkable legacy was broadcasted. "Over the last 50 years, the work of my Trust has proved beyond doubt that supporting young people through personal development and the acquisition of self-confidence and self-esteem can make a real difference and transform lives." A generous percentage of sales will go to the King’s Trust charity.

Tweeds were created using mills and makers from across Scotland© @reallywild
Tweeds were created using mills and makers from across Scotland
Rigby Adams the son of Nadja Swarovski modelled in the show© @reallywild
Rigby Adams the son of Nadja Swarovski modelled in the show

In January, Princess Kate wore a Really Wild tweed baker boy cap in her Mother Nature film that was released to mark her 44th birthday. And again when she joined mental health charity Mind Over Mountains, for a wellbeing walk in the Peak District National Park just weeks later.

Princess wearing a Really Wild baker boy hat © Getty Images
Princess wearing a Really Wild baker boy hat

In May 2023, she wore a blue Really Wild chambray blouse when she joined William, The Prince of Wales, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, for a visit to the 3rd Upton Scout Group in Slough, where they helped to renovate a local Scout hut.

Kate with Prince Louis wearing the brand's chambray blouse © Getty Images
Kate with Prince Louis wearing the brand's chambray blouse

The fashion brand is an exclusive Fashion Showcase Partner of The King's Trust 50th Anniversary Celebration. And for the collection pieces were created using mills and makers from across Scotland, including new bespoke tweeds developed especially for the partnership.

"Autumn/winter is the season where our love of cloth finds its fullest expression," Nadja said. "As a female-owned, female-led British house, we feel a particular responsibility - and a particular joy - in supporting the small, often family-run mills, weavers and makers who quietly safeguard crafts the world cannot afford to lose. This collection is a tribute to them."

Nadja Swarovski is Really Wild's chief creative officer© @kingstrust
Nadja Swarovski is Really Wild's chief creative officer

Following a three course lunch and performance by Sir Rod and Jools, the day concluded with a live auction, led by Bonhams, which raised £750,000 for the charity - standout lots included two VIP tickets to the FIFA World Cup Final, which fetched a huge £75,000.

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