Internet users have noticed something unexpected about King Charles III—he appears to have been wearing the same coat for almost four decades.
Threads user @wwbnews shared side-by-side images of the British monarch, showing Charles in 1986 wearing a long, button-up tweed overcoat, alongside a photograph from 2023 in which he appears to be wearing the same style of coat.
“The King of Britain is still wearing a coat he has had for 40 years. What does this indicate?” asked the account.
The resurfaced images quickly caught attention online, with many suggesting that the coat’s longevity reflects King Charles III’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The king has been a vocal environmental advocate for more than five decades, having first spoken publicly about environmental issues in 1970. Since then, he has consistently raised concerns about climate change, conservation, and the environmental cost of wasteful consumer culture.
Over the years, Charles has repeatedly encouraged people to reduce consumption and prioritize quality over quantity. In interviews, including with British Vogue in 2020, he has spoken about his dislike of throwing items away and his preference for repairing and maintaining possessions rather than replacing them.
Threads users were quick to share their own theories and observations about the coat’s impressive staying power.
“It’s a $15k bespoke handmade Anderson & Sheppard tweed overcoat. It’s a quality piece meant to be worn for a lifetime. Old money doesn’t do ‘new’ just for the sake of new,” shared Kathleen Smith.
“That the coat is of a really good quality,” said Zuzanna.
“He likes the coat,” posted Colleen Cladhaire.
“That Harris Tweed is exceptionally durable,” suggested Stephen Hargreaves.
“That he’s rich and therefore can afford to A. buy a high quality garment, which is tailor-made (and future-proofed with e.g. generous seam allowances, a lifetime mending/alterations service) B. Have it maintained, cleaned, subtly altered to fit his body as he ages by staff C. Not really care about fashion D. Have enough coats in his rotation that this one never gets badly worn enough to need replacement,” shared Bekki Slowley.
“You cannot beat quality maybe?” added another user.
“The King is famous for wearing shoes to the point the uppers need to be patched, this coat is barely broken in by his standards,” said another user.
“Buy quality once. It lasts a lifetime. Buy rubbish and replace it next year,” added Martin Bowen.
“He likes it? It’s like a comfort blanket?” suggested Catherine Hood.
Others used the moment to share their own experiences with long-lasting wool garments.
“I’m still wearing a Russian army greatcoat, that I bought for £15 when I was 18, so it’ll soon be 30 years old. Which apparently indicates that 100% wool clothes last longer, because wool is the only thing they have in common,” said Chris.