The Royal Tartans

Prince Charles,celebrating his 30th birthday, in a relaxed mood during a visit to Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

Since 1903 Kinloch Anderson has supplied the Royal Family with fabrics including The Royal Tartans.

It was in 1980 that Kinloch Anderson Ltd was granted a Royal Warrant as Tailors and Kiltmakers to the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles. At the time, this was the company’s third Royal Warrant, as Royal Warrants had already been granted to the Company by HM Queen Elizabeth II and to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

In 2024, companies which already held the Royal Warrant to the Prince of Wales were able to put forward a request for consideration as Royal Warrant holders to His Majesty King Charles III. Kinloch Anderson’s application was successful, and the company received His Majesty’s Royal Warrant in May 2024.

In Scotland in the 16th century, clans began associating checked cloths or plaids with their identities. Ever since that time, Scotland’s history and heritage have embraced tartan. People have defended, romanticised, banned, and exalted tartan, but it still stands as a renowned symbol of identity, not only in Scotland but worldwide.

Kinloch Anderson proudly holds the Balmoral tartan fabric in stock for its royal use to this day. At the company’s headquarters in Leith, Edinburgh, the Heritage Room Museum showcases “The Balmoral Tartan and the Sovereign’s Piper.” This display also includes other Balmoral tartan pictures featuring the King as a small boy, little Sarah Phillips (daughter of the Princess Royal), The Prince and Princess of Wales, and King George VI.

Kinloch Anderson welcomes all customers to the Heritage Room, where the impressive “Royal Family Tartan Connections” display board vividly illustrates the other tartans worn by the Royal Family.

Discover the Royal Tartans

The Balmoral Tartan

Queen Elizabeth II waits in the Drawing Room before receiving Liz Truss for an audience at Balmoral, Scotland. Picture date: Tuesday September 6, 2022. Alamy

Balmoral Tartan: A Royal and Exclusive Design

The Balmoral Tartan was created in the 1850s by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, symbolizing her deep connection to Scotland. It remains one of the most exclusive tartans, worn only by the reigning monarch, with other members of the Royal Family requiring the sovereign’s permission to wear it. The Sovereign’s Piper is the only non-royal permitted to don this tartan, a tradition upheld to this day.

The design features a predominantly grey background with red and black overchecks, woven with twisted black and white yarns to produce a marled effect, inspired by the granite landscape of Balmoral. This tartan has been closely associated with the Royal Family’s Scottish heritage, often seen at Balmoral Castle and other royal residences.

Kinloch Anderson, the historic Scottish tailoring company, holds the Balmoral Tartan in stock for royal use and supplies the Sovereign’s Piper with kilts and Highland dress. The company’s Heritage Room Museum in Edinburgh displays the Royal Family’s connection to tartan, showcasing photographs of King George VI, The Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II, and King Charles III in various royal tartans.

As Prince of Wales, King Charles III showed a keen interest in the Balmoral Tartan’s history. At his request, Kinloch Anderson commissioned two alternative versions—one with a green overcheck, used for a custom jacket, and another with a blue overcheck, later repurposed for upholstery at Birkhall, his residence on the Balmoral Estate.

The Balmoral Tartan remains a powerful emblem of Scotland’s royal heritage, representing tradition, exclusivity, and the monarchy’s deep-rooted connection to the country.

Royal Stewart Tartan

The Royal Stewart tartan is one of the most recognisable and widely available tartans. The Royal line of Stewart originated in Brittany before crossing to England. Generations later, they were granted the title of Great Steward of Scotland, from which they adopted the surname Stewart.

The direct male line of the Stewart Kings ended with James V. The succession continued through his daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, who married Lord Darnley. Their son, James VI of Scotland and James I of England, carried on the legacy through the female line. This lineage continued with their daughter Elizabeth, who married the Duke of Bavaria. Elizabeth's youngest daughter Sophia, married Ernest Augustus of the House of Hanover and Duke of Brunswick. Their son became King of Great Britain and Ireland as George I in 1714.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, or Charles Edward Stuart, was the son of James VII of Scotland and James II of England. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in his attempt to reclaim the English throne.

The Royal Stewart tartan is distinguished by its red background with yellow, white, royal blue, and black overcheck lines. Its popularity can be partly attributed to Queen Victoria, who adopted it for the Royal Family. Additionally, King George IV famously wore a Royal Stewart tartan kilt during his celebrated visit to Scotland in 1822.

The Duke of Edinburgh continued this tradition, wearing a Royal Stewart tartan kilt at the Royal Scottish Pipers Society Centenary Ball in Edinburgh in June 1982.

Dress Stewart Tartan

Dress Stewart Tartan: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance

The Dress Stewart Tartan, a variation of the Royal Stewart Tartan, is distinguished by its large areas of white, historically favored by women of the Clan for its clean and formal appearance. Dress tartans are especially popular for Highland Dancing and ceremonial wear.

Though available in various colour variations and sett patterns, all versions prominently feature white. The tartan has been embraced by royalty, with Prince Charles (now King Charles III) wearing a Dress Stewart kilt on a Royal Visit to Edinburgh in 1979. Queen Elizabeth II also chose a silk sash in Dress Stewart Tartan for the Ghillie Balls at Balmoral Castle, where it has also been widely used in furnishings.

This elegant tartan remains a timeless and prestigious symbol of Scottish heritage and royal tradition.

Lord of the Isles Tartan

Lord of the Isles Tartan: A Royal and Historic Legacy

The Lord of the Isles Tartan is closely tied to Scottish royalty, particularly the heir to the throne, who holds the title Lord of the Isles alongside Duke of Rothesay and Earl of Carrick.

Originally associated with the MacDonalds in the 12th century, the title passed to the Scottish Crown in 1493 and was reinstated by Queen Victoria in 1850. Around this time, a variation of the MacDonald tartan—with reversed red and green hues—became known as the Lord of the Isles Hunting Tartan. By 1903, Prince Edward Albert (later Edward VII) popularized a version with two shades of green, which later evolved into the tartan worn by Prince Charles (now King Charles III).

Prince Charles frequently wore his Lord of the Isles tartan kilt at Balmoral in the 1990s and on royal visits, including the 2019 centenary of the H.M. Yacht Iolaire tragedy. Queen Camilla also owns an elegant silk evening skirt in this tartan. Kinloch Anderson holds this historic tartan for royal use, ensuring its legacy continues.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the Braemar Gathering highland games held a short distance from the royals' summer retreat at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire. Picture date: Saturday September 2, 2023. Queen Camilla is wearing Lord of the Isles Tartan

Inverness Hunting Tartan

Hunting Inverness Tartan: A Royal and Historical Legacy

The Hunting Inverness Tartan is deeply rooted in Scottish and royal history. The Earl of Inverness title was first created in the Peerage of the United Kingdom in 1801 as a subsidiary title for a member of the royal family. The tartan itself was designed in 1829 for Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, and the Inverness Tartan is still used today as a district tartan for Inverness and its surrounding county.

The title of Earl of Inverness became extinct in 1843, but Queen Victoria revived it for her grandson Albert Edward (later Edward VII). The title has remained in use, with the Duke of York being the current holder, represented by Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Hunting Inverness Tartan is distinctive, featuring a dark blue background with red, yellow, and white overcheck lines. It has been worn by several royal figures, with Kinloch Anderson creating kilts in this tartan for Prince George Frederick (later George V), Prince Albert Frederick (later George VI), and HRH Prince Andrew.

This tartan remains a symbol of royal heritage and Scottish tradition, linking the Inverness region and the royal family across generations.

Duke of Rothesay Tartan

King Charles III and Queen Camilla leave Crathie Parish Church, near Balmoral. Picture date: Sunday September 3, 2023.

Duke of Rothesay Tartan: A Historic Royal Symbol

The Duke of Rothesay Tartan is deeply linked to Scottish royal tradition. The title Duke of Rothesay was first granted in 1398 to David Stewart, heir to the Scottish throne. Though abandoned after the Union of the Crowns (1603), Queen Victoria revived its use in 1844 for her son, Prince Edward Albert, who popularized the tartan.

A variation, the Duke of Rothesay Hunting Tartan, emerged with reversed red and green hues and darker shades. By 1897, Prince George (later King George V) had an evening suit in this tartan, followed by Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), who was famously painted wearing it in 1923.

The title remained unused until 1952, when Prince Charles (now King Charles III) adopted it. He frequently wore a muted version known as the Duke of Rothesay Hunting Muted Tartan, including during his 2009 visit to Stromness Harbour. Queen Camilla has also embraced this historic tartan, keeping its legacy alive.

Old Stewart Tartan

Old Stewart Tartan: A Timeless, Weathered Tradition

Old Stewart Tartan, also known as Reproduction, Weathered, or Muted Stewart, features softened tones designed to replicate the effects of natural aging and exposure to the elements. These variations create a distinct, heritage-inspired look, evoking the appearance of tartans that have been naturally weathered over time.

This classic tartan has been worn by royalty, with both Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother choosing Old Stewart tartan skirts crafted by the renowned Scottish tailor Kinloch Anderson.

Cherished for its authentic, vintage appeal, Old Stewart Tartan remains a popular choice for those who appreciate the rich history and tradition of Scottish dress.

Stewart Ancient Hunting Tartan

Hunting Ancient Stewart Tartan: A Timeless Tradition

As the name suggests, hunting tartans were originally designed as variations of clan tartans, incorporating earthy tones like brown and green to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. These colours made them ideal for hunting and other outdoor activities.

Historically, tartan fabric was dyed using natural pigments derived from local plants, roots, berries, and trees. With the introduction of chemical dyes, brighter “modern” tartans emerged, while the original, muted shades became known as “ancient” tartans. Today, ancient tartans remain a popular choice for those who appreciate traditional Scottish heritage.

Hunting Ancient Stewart Tartan embodies these characteristics, featuring the classic subdued hues associated with ancient tartans. The Prince of Wales, proudly wore his Hunting Stewart Ancient kilt to Canisbay Church in Caithness in 2002.

This timeless tartan continues to be cherished by those seeking an authentic connection to Scottish history and tradition.

King George VI Tartan

King George VI Tartan: A Royal Legacy

The King George VI Tartan was specially designed by Kinloch Anderson in the late 1940s at the request of King George VI. Sometimes referred to as the Green Stewart Tartan, it is based on the Royal Stewart Tartan but features a distinctive dark green background, giving it a more subdued and elegant appearance.

This regal tartan has been worn by British royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who had a skirt tailored in King George VI Tartan by Kinloch Anderson. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales also honored this design with a kilt in the George VI Tartan.

A symbol of heritage, tradition, and royal elegance, King George VI Tartan remains a timeless choice for those who appreciate the deep historical ties between Scotland and the British monarchy.

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Tartan

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Tartan: A Tribute to 70 Years of Service

Designed by Kinloch Anderson in 2022, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Tartan commemorates Her Majesty’s 70-year reign. Personally chosen and approved by Queen Elizabeth II, the tartan’s sett (pattern) is inspired by the King George VI (Green Stewart) Tartan, a favorite of Her Majesty.

Its seven colours symbolize seven decades of service:

Platinum grey, green, and black from the King George VI Tartan
Red, white, and blue for the United Kingdom
Gold to represent the Crown

Continuing the Royal Family’s connection to Stewart tartans, this elegant design stands as a lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s legacy and dedication.

King Charles III Tartan

King Charles III Tartan: A Regal Tribute to Tradition

Created in 2023 to mark King Charles III’s Coronation, the King Charles III Tartan was designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority and crafted into a kilt by Kinloch Anderson for His Majesty.

Its sett (pattern) is inspired by the Balmoral Tartan, the exclusive tartan of the reigning British monarch. The colours and shades reflect the natural dyes of 18th-century tartans, honouring Scotland’s rich textile heritage.

This distinguished tartan continues the Royal Family’s deep connection to Scottish tradition, symbolising His Majesty’s enduring ties to Scotland.