Prince Philip set to honour Canadian military battalion with regimental colour

TORONTO – Prince Philip is set to present a new regimental flag to a Canadian military battalion this morning in Toronto, kicking off a ceremony marking the 200th anniversary of a key battle of the War of 1812.

The ceremonial flag — known as a regimental colour — is to be bestowed by the queen’s husband to the Third Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment in front of the province’s legislature.

Philip received two honours yesterday from Governor General David Johnston — the Order of Canada and t he Commander of the Order of Military Merit.

Philip will take part in a breakfast reception with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Lt.-Gov. David Onley before making the presentation to the regiment as part of the Battle of York ceremonies.

Regimental colours are considered the most prized possession of every regiment.

The prince has served as the Royal Canadian Regiment’s colonel-in-chief — an honorary title bestowed on members of the Royal Family since 1953.