The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has officially updated its insignia to incorporate the Tudor Crown, a significant change reflecting the accession of King Charles III. This transition affects the emblems, brand marks, and logos of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force, with changes coming into effect on August 1, 2025. The update follows the King's choice of the Tudor Crown for his royal cypher, replacing the St Edward's Crown previously used during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
This shift marks the first change to Defence's royal symbology since 1952, when the St Edward's Crown was adopted following Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension. Historically, the Tudor Crown was used from 1910 until 1953 in Australian military insignia. The decision to revert to the Tudor Crown aligns Australian military heraldry with the current monarch's preference, symbolizing continuity and the enduring link to the Crown.
Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell have all approved the updated designs for their respective services. This includes the new Navy Badge, the Army's Rising Sun emblem (8th pattern), and the Royal Australian Air Force badge, all now featuring the Tudor Crown. The ADF has commenced the process of updating digital images, brand marks, and physical logos to reflect these changes.
The adoption of the Tudor Crown extends beyond military insignia, with the symbol gradually being rolled out across various government websites, official buildings, and documents throughout the Commonwealth. This comprehensive update underscores the symbolic importance of the Crown in official Australian iconography and its adaptation to the new reign. The move ensures that the visual representation of the Defence Force accurately reflects the current sovereign.