What are the criteria to receive permission to use the Royal Crown?
Agencies of the federal, provincial/territorial government, and law enforcement bodies at the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal levels may seek permission for the use of the Royal Crown in their emblems.
It is rare for a private organization (such as an association, a learned society, an educational institution, etc.) to be eligible to use the Royal Crown. However, organizations with Royal designation or those that can demonstrate a close and direct connection with the Sovereign over a period of time may be considered for permission to use the Royal Crown.
For detailed questions about eligibility, please contact the chief herald of Canada at:
Chief Herald of Canada
Canadian Heraldic Authority
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1
armorial@gg.ca
Who is entitled to use the Royal Crown as an emblem?
Each new use of the Royal Crown, whether on its own or as part of another emblem, requires the permission of His Majesty The King. The granting of such permission is thus a very special honour that indicates a close association with the Sovereign.
The Canadian Armed Forces use the Royal Crown in certain rank insignia. Viceregal offices historically use it on certain objects.
Public law enforcement agencies, departments and agencies of the federal and provincial governments, and Canadian organizations (such as associations, societies, educational bodies, etc.) that have a close, direct and verifiable association with the Sovereign may seek permission to use the Royal Crown as part of their granted heraldic emblems.
The Royal Crown is also used for commemoration purposes. With the permission of His Majesty, it can be placed on various objects such as commemorative plaques, stamps, portraits and stained glass windows.
Who determines if a Royal Crown may be used?
His Majesty The King personally approves each new use of the Royal Crown. Recommendations for approval are sent to The King by the governor general, on the advice of the chief herald of Canada and the Canadian secretary to The King.
His Majesty also approves the inclusion of the Royal Crown as part of heraldic emblems granted by the chief herald of Canada (coats of arms, flags, and badges). The requests related to heraldic emblems are sent to His Majesty by the governor general on the advice of the chief herald and are accompanied by the proposed design of the emblem. For more information on the granting of heraldic emblems, see the Procedure Guide of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
How do I submit a request for permission to use the Royal Crown, or for further information?
In Canada, requests for authorization to include the Royal Crown are to be sent to the chief herald of Canada. The request must include a description and the history of the petitioner, the purpose of the proposed emblem and how it will be used, the reasons for the inclusion of the Royal Crown, and a draft design, if possible. Submissions must be addressed to:
Chief Herald of Canada
Canadian Heraldic Authority
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0A1
armorial@gg.ca