The Prince of Wales in Montréal

It didn't go as swimmingly as it did in Toronto, even though this is supposed to be Montréal — you know, Mont Réal as it was spelled in Middle French or Mont Royal if you prefer the present day vernacular, which takes its name after Mont-Royal, the triple-peaked hill located in the heart of the city.

Two hundred rabidly anti-monarchist separatists tried to ruin the Royal Visit to this royalist city, as dutifully reported in The Guardian and the BBC, but the old Black Watch of Montreal would not be denied a regimental visit from their Godfather, the Prince of Wales.



The Black Watch is the oldest highland regiment in Canada. It takes its name from the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Scotland, which was raised in 1725 as independent companies to police the Highlands. The name originated from the dark colour of the tartan and the role of watching the Highland clans. The companies were formed into a Regiment in 1740 and were to become the 42nd Royal Highlanders after receiving the Royal Warrant in 1751. A second battalion was raised which became a separate regiment, the 73rd - but in 1881 it reverted to become the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment again. The distinctive Red Hackle was issued in 1795 a privilege exclusive to The Black Watch.

Volunteers to the Canadian version have served since the regiment's inception in Montreal on January 31st, 1862 as the 5th Battalion, Volunteer Militia Rifles of Canada. The rise of American military strength during the Civil War concerned Canada. The government authorized formation of militia regiments. Each of six Montreal Scottish chieftains responded by raising an infantry company for the 5th Battalion. Eventually, eight companies were raised for border service. Since then, thousands of Canadian citizens have served in the Black Watch.

The Prince of Wales is the Colonel in Chief of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, and attended a presentation at the Black Watch Armoury. Currently the Regiment is a modern infantry battalion that provides trained soldiers to augment regular force units and aid civil authorities in times of crisis. In August 1992, the Regiment was granted the Freedom of the City of Montreal. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother presented the Regiment with The Queen’s Colour in 1974 (currently in use by the Black Watch) as well as the Regimental Colour in 1962.

The Prince took the dais before inspecting the Guard of Honour and presenting the Regiment with new Colours. After the ceremony, The Prince and The Duchess joined a Regimental Reception where they met soldiers and their families.