The Department of Defence has begun updating digital images, brand marks and logos bearing Queen Elizabeth II’s St Edward’s Crown after service chiefs approved new versions featuring King Charles III’s Tudor Crown. The new pattern came into effect on 1 August.
Digital uses, including website, intranet pages, social media platforms, Microsoft Office templates, Outlook signatures and brand guidelines, will be among the first to be updated. The rollout will occur in phases across Defence groups and services, aligning with the King’s wish to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Uniform updates will occur gradually, as stock runs out and opportunities arise, and will be aligned with the evolving design for each uniform type. Most units are expected to receive the updated branding within the year.
The last change to Defence’s royal symbol occurred in 1952, following Queen Elizabeth II’s accession, with the St Edward’s Crown incorporated into Navy’s Ceremonial Badge on 3 December 1957.
The Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond approved the updated Navy Badge, featuring the Tudor Crown. The Manager Navy Badges Paul Burnett said both versions of the Monarch’s crowns were endorsed royal symbols, and the St Edward’s Crown was a valid symbol of Navy’s royal warrant until replaced.
Mr Burnett said the design was a chance to revise the placement of the Navy Badge and Navy brand within the wider Defence environment. He said it offered a chance to refresh promotional materials and corporate templates, and reflected the ongoing refocusing of Navy directions and intents. Both designs have been modernised to enhance accessibility, readability and usability across applications. Updated corps and brigade badges will be available in colour, white and black formats. For the first time, a full suite of Adobe InDesign templates is available to graphic designers and multimedia technicians.
Source: Australian Department of Defence
