The Royals wear the Stewart tartan due to its historical significance and association with the royal House of Stewart. The tartan is linked to the British monarch, currently King Charles III, and is worn by various groups like the Black Watch, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and Scots Guards. Originally created as the emblem of the regal house of Stewarts, the Royal Stewart tartan has become a universal tartan due to its popularity. While traditionally it required permission to wear, it is now widely accepted.

What clan does Stewart belong to?

Clan Stewart, known in Gaelic as Stiùbhart, is a Scottish Highland and Lowland clan with historical significance. The clan's roots trace back to Walter Fitz Alan, who held the title of High Steward of Scotland, which became hereditary in the family. The Royal House of Stewart emerged through marriage to Robert the Bruce's daughter, leading to a long lineage of monarchs in Scotland and later England. The Stewarts of Appin, a prominent branch, played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly during the Jacobite period. Today, the Earls of Galloway are considered the principal branch of Clan Stewart.

Is Stewart a Scottish clan?

Yes, the Stewart family is a Scottish clan. The Stewart family is descended from a family who were seneschals (stewards) of Dol in Brittany, France. After the Norman conquest of England, the family acquired lands in England and moved to Scotland when David I ascended to the throne of Scotland. The family were granted extensive estates in Renfrewshire and East Lothian and the office of High Steward was made hereditary in the family. It is through marriage with the daughter of Robert the Bruce that we can begin to trace the descent of the Royal House of Stewart. The royal line of male Stewarts continued uninterrupted until the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. The Stewart tartan is worn by the regimental pipers of the Scots Guards and was referred to by King George V as "my personal tartan." The Stewarts of Appin form the West Highland branch of the great Royal family of Stewart and have come to form a branch clan of considerable importance.

What is the history of Royal Stewart tartan?

The Royal Stewart tartan is the most well-known tartan associated with the House of Stewart, the royal family of Scotland. It was first published in 1831 in the book "The Scottish Gaël" by James Logan. The tartan is worn by the pipers of the Black Watch, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and the Scots Guards, as well as select civilian groups like the Glasgow Police Pipe Band and the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band. The tartan has become a universal tartan, worn by anyone who doesn't have their own clan tartan. The history of the Royal Stewart clan dates back to 1371 when Robert II took the throne, making the clan the Royal Family of Scotland until the death of Queen Anne in 1714. The clan once owned some of the most recognizable properties in Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Linlithgow Palace. There are four main branches of Clan Stewart - Appin, Atholl, Balquhidder, and Bute - and their lands are spread throughout Scotland.

What part of Scotland does Stewart come from?

Stewart comes from various parts of Scotland, with notable branches including the Stewarts of Appin in the West Highlands and the Stewarts of Atholl. The Stewarts trace their lineage back to Banquo, Thane of Lochaber, and an ancient family from Brittany who later settled in Scotland. The Stewarts held extensive estates in Renfrewshire and East Lothian, with ties to the Royal House of Stewart through marriage with Robert the Bruce's daughter. The Stewarts of Appin were staunchly Jacobite, while the Stewarts of Atholl descended from Alexander Stewart, known as 'The Wolf of Badenoch'.

What was Queen Elizabeth's tartan?

Queen Elizabeth II's official tartan is the Royal Stewart tartan, which is a Restricted tartan that should not be worn without the permission of the Queen. However, due to a decline in formal traditions, the rules around this tartan have become less strict, making it more widely used. The Balmoral tartan, on the other hand, can only be worn with express permission from the Queen and now the King. This tartan was designed by Queen Victoria's husband and features a grey, black, and red design, named after the Balmoral Castle. The Royal Stewart and Balmoral tartans hold special significance due to their connection to the Monarchy.

What is the Stewart clan motto and crest?

The Stewart clan motto is "Virescit vulnere virtus" (Courage grows strong at a wound), and their crest features a pelican in a nest feeding her young. The motto reflects resilience in adversity, symbolizing strength gained from challenges. The Stewarts trace their lineage back to Walter Fitz Alan, the High Steward of Scotland, whose family played significant roles in Scottish history, including holding the throne. The crest's pelican symbolizes self-sacrifice and nurturing. The Stewarts' history intertwines with Scottish royalty, showcasing their enduring influence and royal connections through marriages and strategic alliances.

Who are the ancestors of the Stewarts?

The ancestors of the Stewarts can be traced back through various branches of the Stewart family. One notable figure is Sir John Stewart of Bonkyl, who was the second son of Alexander, the fourth High Stewart. Sir John Stewart married Margaret de Bonkyl and had seven sons and one daughter, including Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll, Sir Alan Stewart of Dreghorn, Sir Walter Stewart of Garlies and Dalswinton, Sir James Stewart of Pearston, Sir Robert Stewart of Daldowie, and Sir Hugh Stewart. These individuals are key ancestors who played significant roles in the lineage of the Stewarts.

What are the colors of Royal Stewart tartan?

The Royal Stewart tartan features a red background with a bold crisscross pattern of green, blue, yellow, black, and white. This tartan is closely associated with the British Royal Family. The colors in the tartan symbolize various aspects: the red represents mourning and martial spirit, while the green signifies fertility and the land. Blue symbolizes loyalty and truth, yellow represents generosity and wisdom, black signifies strength and depth, and white symbolizes purity and light. This tartan has become a universal tartan due to its popularity and is widely worn beyond just the Royal Family.

What accessories should I get with Royal Stewart tartan?

Some popular accessories to wear with a Royal Stewart tartan include a matching tartan purse, wallet, or handbag, a tartan face mask, hats and caps, a sporran, a bow tie, a necktie, a fly plaid, cufflinks, and other accessories like brooches, belts, and socks. Additionally, consider a matching kilt, a matching vest, and a matching vest with kilt accessories for a cohesive look. For formal occasions, a sporran and a bow tie are appropriate, while a fly plaid and cufflinks can add a refined touch. For casual wear, a matching purse, wallet, or handbag can complement the kilt, and a hat or cap can add a touch of style.