Navy Badge Adopts King Charles III’s Tudor Crown

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The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has officially transitioned to a new badge design incorporating King Charles III’s Tudor Crown, replacing Queen Elizabeth II’s St Edward’s Crown, as announced by the Department of Defence on August 1, 2025. Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond approved the updated emblem, marking a significant shift in Defence branding to reflect the new reign. The change, effective immediately, aligns with similar updates across the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Army’s Rising Sun emblem and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) badge, both now featuring the Tudor Crown. This modernization, the first since 1952, responds to the King’s directive to minimize costs, with a phased rollout prioritizing digital platforms.

The updated Navy badge will first appear on digital assets, including the RAN website, Microsoft Office templates, and Outlook signatures, as confirmed by the Department of Defence. Physical uniform updates will occur gradually as existing stock is used up, ensuring fiscal responsibility, with most units expected to adopt the new branding within a year. The last major change to the Navy’s Ceremonial Badge occurred on December 3, 1957, following Queen Elizabeth II’s accession. Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell also approved updated emblems for their respective services, enhancing accessibility and readability for modern digital use.

The Tudor Crown, a symbol of King Charles III’s reign, reflects a streamlined design suited for mobile and small-scale applications. The ADF’s adoption of Adobe InDesign templates supports graphic designers in implementing the new branding consistently. The Department of Defence emphasized that the phased approach avoids unnecessary expenditure and aligns with the King’s cost-conscious intentions.

Vice Admiral Hammond, a seasoned submariner and the first Australian Defence Force Academy graduate to serve as Chief of Navy, underscored the importance of maintaining tradition while adapting to contemporary needs. This update reinforces the RAN’s identity as it navigates a complex strategic environment, ensuring its symbols remain relevant and effective.