In the British and other Commonwealth armies, the Colonel-in-Chief of a regiment's its (usually royal) patron. This position's distinct from that of Colonel of the Regiment. They don't have an operational role. They're however kept informed of all important activities of the regiment, and pay occasional visits to its operational units. Their chief purpose's to maintain a direct link between the regiment and the Royal Family. Currently in the British Army, two foreign monarchs hold the position o… (More on Colonel-in-chief)