[2] From 1747 the Crown exercised control over the design of the colours carried by regiments of foot of the British Army, which had previously been unregulated and subject to the whim of the colonel of the unit concerned.
However, they had little knowledge of the correct emblazoning of heraldic devices, and regiments frequently turned to the officers of the College of Arms for advice on the matter.
It was a result of this that the office of Inspector of Regimental Colours was instituted on 4 June 1806, with Nayler appointed to the post.
[2] From that date the office of the inspector has prepared official paintings and from 1855 assumed responsibility for militia colours and from 1908 those of yeomanry and infantry regiments of the Territorial Force.
Artwork of the design is executed by an heraldic artist at the College of Arms and is signed by the inspector and by the King.