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On 15th June 1974, Patricia was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). She succeeded her cousin - The Lady Patricia Ramsay, VA, CI (1886-1974), formerly HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught, whose father Field Marshal HRH The Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught & Strathearn, KG, KT, KP, GCB, GCSI, GCMG, GCIE, GCVO, GBE, VD, TD, ADC(P) (1850-1942) named the regiment in 1914 after his daughter whilst he was Governor-General of Canada.

Patricia, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma -
“Lady Patricia”, visiting PPCLI troops

Patricia, 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma being awarded
the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross (MSC) by
HE The Rt Hon Michaëlle Jean, the Governor-General of Canada (b.1957)

“... The Countess Mountbatten of Burma is a model we can all look up to - an example of such timeless values as duty, selflessness and honour. For more than 30 years, she performed the duties of Colonel-in-Chief with the greatest degree of commitment to the soldiers and a deep and abiding interest in their welfare, and that of their families. She has helped unite serving soldiers, veterans, cadets, their families and the general public, raising awareness of the regiment and underscoring its ongoing contribution to the well-being of Canadians. For all these reasons, I am very pleased, as Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, to present the Meritorious Service Cross to Lady Patricia, the Right Honourable Countess Mountbatten of Burma. I offer the sincere thanks of the people of Canada for your many years of service.”

The PPCLI or “The Patricias” (as it is commonly and affectionately called) was founded at the outbreak of Word War I and quickly established itself as a loyal, brave and courageous regiment. Patricia became an active Colonel-in-Chief, visiting Canada often and she endured long journeys and difficult conditions to meet with soldiers serving in remote and isolated areas such as Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, as well as Cyprus and Germany.

The PPCLI Regimental badge

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