On behalf of our family and all the employees of Kinloch Anderson, we would like to convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to all the members of the Royal Family at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The tributes to Her Majesty from countless people in this country and overseas have been overwhelming, and we would like to endorse everything that has been so eloquently expressed, not only regarding her extraordinary achievements as our Monarch, but also her wonderful personal contribution to our society.
Since 1955, we have been greatly honoured to hold the Royal Appointment as Tailors and Kiltmakers to Her Majesty The Queen, and it has been an immense privilege and pleasure to serve Her in this manner. - Douglas Kinloch Anderson, Chairman
Kinloch Anderson has a long and proud association with The Royal Family.
First supplying His Majesty King Edward VII in 1903, Kinloch Anderson were granted their first royal warrant by His Majesty King George V in 1934 and thereafter by His Majesty King George IV.
As champions of British tailoring with Scottish character, Kinloch Anderson remained as the tailors and kiltmakers of choice for the Royal Family throughout the 20th Century, supplying Her Majesty The Queen in 1955, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in 1960, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in 1980.
Scotland held an important place in Her Majesty’s affections. She spent a large portion of her summers at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire engaging in the typical pastimes that the Scottish countryside affords such as flyfishing and hiking.
While there, The Queen would often wear her Balmoral tartan skirt made for her by Kinloch Anderson. In fact, just days before her passing, Her Majesty was photographed wearing her Balmoral tartan skirt as she met with the newly elected Prime Minister.
The tartan, reserved exclusively for The Royal Family, was designed by Prince Albert for his beloved wife, Queen Victoria in 1850. Upon the completion of their newly commissioned Scottish castle, Balmoral, Prince Albert set about designing the interior and he made great use of tartan.
He utilised red Royal Stewart and green Hunting Stewart tartans for carpets, while using Dress Stewart for curtains and upholstery. To add a personal touch, The Queen designed the Victoria tartan, and Prince Albert the Balmoral tartan.
Inspired by the Deeside landscape, the tartan is predominantly grey and contains threads of black and white yarns twisted together to achieve the effect of the rough-hewn granite typical of the region. With red and black over-checks, the tartan is distinct and beautiful.
To this day, Kinloch Anderson is privileged to keep the Balmoral Tartan in stock for the Royal Family’s use and has tailored garments in it over many years.