Quote Originally Posted by FrugalCorner View Post
The Royal Stewart Tartan is the tartan of the royal House of Stewart, and is also the personal tartan of Queen Elizabeth II. It is said to be appropriate for all subjects of Elizabeth II to wear the Royal Stewart tartan, much in the same way that clansmen may wear the tartan of their clan chief. Officially, the tartan is worn by numerous military groups, and a select few civilian groups. The 5th Potters Bar Scout Group wear the scarf officially, with permission from the Queen.
This is a bit of a "sticky wicket"; yes, the Royal Stewart tartan is a de facto "universal" tartan in the simple fact that it is everywhere you turn around -- but I have yet to see anything official that says that any subject of HM Queen Elizabeth may wear it.

Technically, permission to wear the tartan was given by the sovereign; for example, pipers of the Black Watch, the Royal Scots and the KOSB were given permission to wear it.

An article on the British Monarchy's web site has this to say:

During The Queen's stay on her private estate in Scotland, the Balmoral Tartan is worn. The Royal Stewart and Balmoral Tartans are recognised as 'royal' tartans, The Royal Stewart is considered the tartan of the Royal House of Stewart (or Stuart).

-- http://www.royal.gov.uk/OutPut/Page3370.asp
Personally, I won't wear it -- but that's just me.

Todd