Colonel-in-Chief

In the various Commonwealth armies, the Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment is its (usually royal) patron. This position is distinct from that of Colonel of the Regiment. They do not have an operational role. They are however kept informed of all important activities of the regiment, and pay occasional visits to its operational units. Their chief purpose is to maintain a direct link between the regiment and the Royal Family.

Currently in the British Army, two foreign monarchs hold the position of Colonel-in-Chief of British regiments:

While it is traditional for a royal personage to hold the position,[1] it is at the discretion of the regiment or corps whom they invite to be their Colonel-in-Chief. This can be seen by the fact that the Duke of Wellington was Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment that bore his name, and through the invitation to Adrienne Clarkson to be Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry,[2] while the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps decided to ask the Governor-General of Australia to serve as its Colonel-in-Chief.[3] These exceptions, however, do not change the raison d'être of the post, which is to serve as a personal link between regiment and Monarch. The role of Colonel in Chief is not to be confused with that of Honorary Colonel.

Contents

Colonels-in-Chief

Australia

Bermuda

Canada

Armoured

Infantry

Personnel branches

Further information: List of Canadian organizations with Royal Patronage: Military

Malaysia

Malaysian Army

Combat
Combat Support

Royal Malaysian Air Force

New Zealand

Norway

Papua New Guinea

United Kingdom

Cavalry

Infantry

Combat Support

Combat Service Support

References

  1. ^ See this list of Colonel-in-Chief appointments held by HRH The Prince of Wales.
  2. ^ Clarkson to be given military honour Edmonton Journal 04/02/07
  3. ^ GG’s new role Department of Defence, 31/05/07