Following the the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, flags will fly at half-mast from now until, and including, the day of the funeral, unless HM The Queen issues special commands.
Buckingham Palace will announce the funeral arrangements in due course.
Half-mast means flying the flag two-thirds of the way up the flagpole.
At least the height of the flag should remain between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.
Flags cannot be flown at half-mast on poles over 45° from the vertical.
Instead attach a black ribbon to the top corner of the flag nearest the hoist as an alternative mark of mourning.
When flying a flag at half-mast, first raise it to the top of the flagpole, hold it there for a second, then lower it to the correct position.
To lower a flag from half-mast, raise it again to the top of the flagpole, hold it there for a second, then lower it in full.
If flying a British national flag at half-mast on a stand of flagpoles, ensure that all other flags are also at half-mast or do not fly them.
Do not fly the flag of any other nation, unless that nation is also observing mourning – e.g. where HM The Queen is head of state.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Her Majesty and her family at this sad time.
Graham Bartram, Chief Vexillologist
