Modification of badges and colours a lengthy and meticulous process

May 9, 2024 - Defence Stories

It will be a lengthy wait for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who are eager to see all CAF badges and Colours (Guidons, Standards and Royal Banners) modified to include the new design of the Canadian Royal Crown and His Majesty King Charles III’s Royal Cypher.

In early May 2023, the Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA) announced that King Charles III had approved two new Royal symbols for the Canadian monarchy, including the Canadian Royal Crown which will be used on CAF badges. Badges and insignia will be gradually updated with this new crown through attrition, as required.

New badges and those that require badge modifications will be the first to reflect the new crown. Digital templates for badge frames will be created by the Directorate of History and Heritage (DHH), reviewed by the CAF Inspector of Colours and Badges, and approved by the Governor General of Canada (GG). CAF units and personnel are not permitted to modify unit badges or insignia on their own.

It took several years for Canadian Forces insignia to be modified after the death of King George VI in 1952. While the process today is not expected to take as long, it remains a prolonged undertaking due to the volume of work and the attention to heraldic and historical details, as well as the involvement of multiple stakeholders.

As a steadfast tradition, new badges are hand-painted by the CHA and authorized by the GG, stored at DHH, and made available digitally to CAF units for their use. Heritage Officers of the Elements are also informed of the approved artwork.

The Canadian Royal Crown is a heraldic emblem, not a physical object. It is an important symbol of the Sovereign’s authority, the Canadian monarchy, and the State acting in the Sovereign’s name. At the request of the Government of Canada, the Canadian Royal Crown was designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. It shares many features with other heraldic versions of the Royal Crown, yet also incorporates elements emphasizing the Canadian identity of the monarchy.

As per information on the Governor General of Canada website, there is no immediate requirement to change existing emblems that include the Royal Crown. Changes to symbols of sovereignty (such as the Arms of Canada) and to official insignia will take place gradually over the coming years. Existing versions remain valid and will be replaced as required.

Units are advised to consult their respective Chain of Command prior to going directly to the Directorate of History and Heritage. An Aide-Mémoire of the badge design process is available upon request from DHH (DHH6Heritage-DHP6patrimoine@forces.gc.ca).