George VI and Edward VIII

[figheadair]

I believe those are known as "laird's plaids" (pronounced 'playeds'). Essentially, they're a convenient way to carry a blanket/lap throw but they're in the same tartan as one's kilt. They could also be used in a pinch as a shawl or "poncho" if the weather turned and one did not have the appropriate outerwear (overcoat/Inverness cape, etc.) to hand.

Oh dear no. That's the gentrified, or Morningside/Kelvinside pronunciation of 'plad' as in lad which is the correct was to say it.

These garments are known Shoulder Plaids or Laird's Plaids and can be traced back to the Highland Revival era, possibly earlier. With a kilt, they are the top and bottom of a feileadh mor separated but still intended for the origianl use as a cloak.