Royal Tartan Patterns and What They Mean

With their ancient links to Scotland, it’s no surprise that the Royal Family have always loved tartan. King Charles can often be spotted in a tartan kilt, but what do the different patterns mean? This is the ‘Duke of Rothesay’ pattern. The title is traditionally held by the heir apparent meaning Prince William inherited it from his father when Charles became king. Here the King is wearing the ‘King Charles III’ pattern. Specially created to mark his coronation. It was created ‘in recognition of The King’s strong support in preserving the culture and traditions of Highland Dress and Scottish Tartans.’ Both the King and Queen are wearing tartan here. King Charles is wearing the ‘Stewart Hunting’ pattern, this is a subdued and green dominated variant of the Stewart Clan tartan sometimes used for hunting game. Meanwhile Queen Camilla is wearing ‘Balmoral’ pattern tartan. This pattern was a favourite of Queen Victoria it should only be worn by the Royal Family, and the ‘Piper to the Sovereign’. This appears to be the weathered variant of the ‘Royal Stewart’ pattern. The ‘Royal Stewart’ is one of the most widely used patterns, and can be seen on picnic blankets all over the world. But it has long been a Royal favourite, and has been worn since King George IV. Said to be one of King Charles’ favourites, this is the ‘Prince Charles Edward Stewart’ pattern is another Stewart Clan variant. It’s the pattern the King chose to wear when he took part in the solemn ‘Vigil of the Princes’ where he stood by Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin in Edinburgh accompanied by the Royal Company of Archers. #scotland #royalfamily #kingcharles Follow us for more royal news, history, and highlights: ♛ Subscribe to our brand new show, exclusive to Snapchat - ♛ Subscribe to our YouTube channel (tap the bell icon and stay up to date with all the latest Royal videos!) - ♛ Find us on TikTok @royalfamilychannel ♛ Follow us on Facebook - ♛ Tweet with us! -