Page 8 - Chiron Spring/Summer 2023

His Majesty the
King’s Coronation a
new era for British
TArmy Cap Badges
he unveiling of Forty-six advisory authority for England, British Army’s Corps and Wales, Northern Ireland and much Regimental cap badges of the Commonwealth including
showing His Majesty the King’s cypher.
Debut Cap badges are being issued, to military personnel taking part in His Majesty the King’s Coronation, 06 May 23. They will become the official symbol, also know as “cypher” or “the motto” by many Regiments and Corps.
The cypher is King Charles’ monogram and features the King’s first Initial C intertwined with the letter R or Rex – Latin for King
– with III within the R denoting Charles III, and the crown sitting above the letters. It includes a style of the Tudor crown adopted by King Charles – a more rounded version than the St Edward’s crown worn by Queen Elizabeth.
The King’s new cypher was selected by His Majesty from a series of designs prepared by The College of Arms, the official heraldic
Australia and New Zealand Commodity Assurance Manager
for Defence Clothing at Defence Equipment and Support, Laurence Harvey said: “We are proud to be playing a key role in the Coronation and have worked rapidly to ensure that the new cap badges and other ceremonial dress items are ready for the event.
We know that serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces wear their cap badges with immense pride and to see the new ones on display on the international stage will be a special moment.”
After the Coronation, the new unit cap badges, including those not on parade, will be seen on social media and websites. The physical transition will be gradual following the production of the new designs, cap badges are rolled out across all respective British Army units.
Previous King’s Crown 1918–1955
The Cap badge, worn on Army berets and headdress, is considered to be a great honour and source
of pride to soldiers. This is a straightforward way of showing the wearer’s regiment and embodies the spirit of that unit, and its historical lineage.
Many veterans continue to proudly wear their cap badges long after they have left service because it provides a visible connection and sense of belonging to their regiment.
Those who served in The Royal Army Veterinary Corps prior to the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II 1952, will remember the time when the Tudor Crown was part
of the previously worn Corps Cap Badge, with a few veterans still having theirs as a keepsake.
The cap badges will be produced in bulk, along with all associated accoutrements such as buttons and rank slides, for issue to everyone in each Corps and Regiment at a later date, likely to be in 2026.
As we prepare to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, we will not forget the unwavering support shown by Her Late Majesty the Queen to her Armed Forces.
New cap badges
6 / Chiron Calling