Flying high since 1971, the Flag Institute is a UK charity working to promote interest in all aspects of flags and flag flying (vexillology); to foster knowledge and understanding; and to offer a unique free source of expert advice, information and comment. Membership is open to all. JOIN TODAY and find out more!
The Flag Institute is an adviser to the UK Parliamentary Flags & Heraldry Committee.
The Flag Institute is an active member of FIAV (Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques).
Registered as an incorporated Charity (CIO) in England and Wales (No. 1152496)
The blue colour in the Union Flag is supposed to be the same blue (pantone 300) as in the Scottish Flag.
No, the blue in the Union Flag is Pantone 280. The Saltire is indeed Pantone 300, but over the years since the creation of the Union Flag in 1606, the shade of blue has darkened. One theory is that early sky blue dyes were not very light fast and the flags faded too quickly, so darker shades of blue were used to try and prolong the life of the flags.