G'day all!

Long time reader, first time poster. I recall reading a couple of threads here in the past regarding the question of the sash and the question of women vs men wearing them. In one particular thread some images were posted in support of men wearing them but it was pointed out that these were not tartan and they were worn in other contexts - ceremonial etc.

I have found this an interesting topic because I have seen various male members of the public at our Australian Highland festivals wearing the sash with a ghillie shirt and was starting to wonder if this was starting to become a modern development of Highland fashion. Thinking nothing more of the topic after reading peoples views on the subject, I assumed that males wearing the sash might be going against tradition and or protocol and the consensus remained firmly in the sphere of the sash is for women only ... until.

I was browsing images and lo and behold I found David Wilkie's 1829 flattering portrait of the kilted King George IV and it appears to me that he is indeed wearing a tartan sash! Am I missing something here or have I found the exception to the rule which supports the male useage of a tartan sash after all? I welcome the opinion of the members on this ...