02/10/2026
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE ROYAL WELSH
Each regiment of the British Army adorns its uniform with distinctive and symbolic items that highlight the unit’s story. The Royal Welsh is no exception.
The White Hackle:
The custom of wearing the white hackle originated when, in 1702, the 23rd Foot was formed into a regiment of Fusiliers and the Grenadier company-style headdress was introduced.
Around 1709, officers began to adopt the wearing of feathers in their hats, and this was officially sanctioned in 1789, when the colour of the hackle was laid down as white.
The Flash:
In the days when soldiers wore pigtails, they were powdered and greased. In order to protect their jackets, the pigtails were enclosed in what was known as a ‘queue bag’.
In 1808, hair was ordered to be cut close to the neck and the queue was abolished. The officers of the Royal Welch Fusiliers decided to retain the ribbons with which the queue was tied.
King William IV was pleased to approve the Flash as a peculiarity by which to mark the dress of the distinguished regiment.
The Stable Belt:
The colours of the regimental stable belt are the adopted regimental colours and are subdued hues of the colours of the former Welsh Brigade.
The Cap Badge:
The feathers and motto ‘ICH DIEN’ are thought to have originated with Edward, the Black Prince, eldest son of Edward III, who, according to legend, defeated John of Bohemia at the Battle of Crécy in 1346.
After the battle, the Prince is said to have gone over to the body of the dead king, whom he admired for his bravery, and taken his helmet, which was lined with ostrich feathers. This, together with the motto, formed the Prince’s new badge and came to be used by subsequent Princes of Wales.
This badge was granted to the 23rd Foot in 1714, on the change of title of the regiment to “The Prince of Wales’s Own Royal Regiment of Welsh Fusiliers.”
