I wish the moderators would merge the â Å“What would change if (when) we had a King?â ? thread, up in The Canadian Army, with this one.
There are some other considerations re: the royals.
Consider, for example, The Royals: The Royal Canadian Regiment. The Regiment has had only two Colonels-in-Chief in its long, glorious history:
1. FM HRH Prince Arthur William Patrick Albert, 1st Duke of Connaught and Strathearn KG, KT, GCB, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, VD, TD (a real, professional soldier, a legitimate Field Marshal and, by the way, the father of Princess Patricia (Lady Patricia Ramsey) from whom the PPCLI are named) and Governor General of Canada from 1911-1916. He became Honorary Colonel in 1914 and Colonel-in-Chief in 1929. He died in 1942; and
2. HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, OM, GBE, AC, QSO â “ also a Field Marshal but, unlike the Duke of Connaught, an honorary one. He accepted the appointment in 1953.
Prince Philip is an elderly, albeit fit and active man but, like most of his great generation of WWII veterans (he saw active service during World War II and served until 1952, rising to the rank of commander) he cannot be too long for this world. Who will take his place?
(I am sure the Colonel of the Regiment (MGen (ret'd) de Faye) has considered/is considering this issue. He has not shared his views or those of the inner circle of the REC with the likes of me and I certainly haven't asked.)
Consider if you will: are we The Royal Canadian Regiment or The Royal Canadian Regiment? If we are the former then we might wish to retain our close association with the senior ranks of the British royals. If, on the other hand, the proper emphasis is on Canadian then, perhaps, we should consider that the Duke of Connaught was, also, Governor General of Canada when he accepted the appointment. Perhaps we should revive that tradition and seek a serving or retired Canadian governor general.