Queen's Colours and King's Colours

[Dave Homewood]

I noted the RNZAF paraded their Queen's Colours yesterday during a pilot graduation, and my understanding is the Air Force will retain and use these Colours until King Charles visits and presents the new King's Colours in person to the RNZAF. Is this correct? I think I am right in thinking the protocol requires a personal handover of Colours?

I know that the Queen Mother presented at least one of our squadrons, No. 75 Squadron, with their own Squadron Colour in 1958, but I think when it is for the whole service, the Monarch themselves is expected to make the presentation? Is that correct? Or can Charles as one of his siblings or other relations to make the presentation on their next visit here?

Alternately, could the King present the King's Colours to an RNZAF party in Britain and then they transport it home?

I believe the King's Colours were presented to the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy in Britain in 1934, with the proviso it was not allowed to make landfall between there and here on any country that was not part of the British Empire.

[30sqnatc]

My understanding a new royal colour would be presented by exception by the sovereign (King or Queen) in person or an individual nominated by the sovereign.

Normally presented by the Governor General or person nominated by the GG.

The GG is the individual who approves who will present a colour.

Having a sovereigns colour presented overseas would really test ceremonial tradition and keep a whole cluster (what's the appropriate collective term?) of Warrant Officers busy for days sorting out the protocol. Isn't the first act on receiving the colour to Troop the Colour which requires quite a sizeable number of people (at least two guards i.e. around 100 members) on the parade and a complete service band.