Prince of Wales New Colonel-in Chief of Irish Regiment

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales graciously agreed last week to serve as the Colonel-in-Chief of the 2nd Battalion, the Irish Regiment of Canada.

His Royal Highness has a history of distinguished service in the British Armed Forces, including a four-month attachment with the Royal Air Force and more than five years active service in the Royal Navy.

“The men and women of the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada have proven themselves strong, proud, and ready—both at home and in areas of crisis around the world throughout the last century. The Canadian Army is honoured to have His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales grace another Regiment with his patronage,” said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, commander, Canadian Army.

Colonel-in-Chiefs do not have operational roles but as patrons of the regiment they are kept informed of all important activities of the regiment and pay occasional visits to their units. Many Canadian Army regiments are honoured by having members of the Royal Family as their Colonel-in Chief.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is Colonel-in-Chief of several other regiments, units and corps within the Canadian Armed Forces, including, The Royal Canadian Dragoons; Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians); The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada; The Royal Regiment of Canada; The Royal Winnipeg Rifles; The Toronto Scottish Regiment; and the Air Reserve of Canada.

He also serves as Honorary Lieutenant-General of the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force; and Commodore-in-Chief, and Honorary Vice-Admiral, of the Royal Canadian Navy.

The 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada is a Reserve Force infantry regiment belonging to 33 Canadian Brigade Group, based in 4th Canadian Division, and a vibrant partner in its hometown community of Sudbury, Ontario.

The regiment celebrated their centennial with a Freedom of the City Parade on May 9 in Sudbury, Ontario.

“The City of Greater Sudbury is proud of its five-decade long relationship with the 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada. Having His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales serve as Colonel-in-Chief underscores the vital role that this celebrated regiment plays in defending Canada at home and away,” Brian Bigger, mayor, Greater Sudbury.

The Freedom of the City ceremony is symbolic and has been bestowed on Canadian military units whose origins stem from local militia formed in a particular city or town, or to Canadian military units that have won Battle Honours overseas.

The 2nd Battalion, The Irish Regiment of Canada (2IrRC) has a long and valiant history of service to Canada, serving with distinction through the First and Second World Wars, and distinguishing itself with 23 Battle Honours for campaigns through Italy and Northwest Europe. In more recent years, 2IrRC has contributed to Canadian Armed Force’s efforts in Cyprus, the Golan Heights, the Balkans and Afghanistan.

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