The Canadian Forces, which falls under Queen Elizabeth II’s jurisdiction as commander-in-chief, have announced its plan to continue rebranding its subdivisions as ‘royal.’

Last year, the navy and air force were rebranded as the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force after a royal hiatus of 43 years. The issue remains divisive in Canadian politics, particularly with the 16 August news that further subdivisions of the three branches of the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force will gain a royal title.

Each new regiment and division name must be approved by the Queen, who has already been sent the latest suggestions for rebranding. Within the Canadian government, Conservatives, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper support the changes.

Those in the armed forces are generally pleased with the decision to continue the royal trend.

“It has also been warmly embraced by veterans, by Canadians far and wide and it was well-received within the Commonwealth," Defense Minister Peter McKay said. "I suspect the Queen herself was quite happy.”

Harper’s opponents in government tend to favour independence from a now-outdated Commonwealth system. Conservatives have also been criticised for overextending the Canadian military in terms of manpower and the development of operational equipment and technology.

The Canadian Forces contributed 2,500 troops to the war in Afghanistan and is ending its combat role this year. The British Army is planning to draw-down its presence by 2014.