The Italian government will soon announce a period of national mourning for the victims of the recent earthquake in central Italy.
In the early morning of Wednesday 24 August 2016, at least 240 people died when a 6.2 earthquake hit the region around Accumoli, and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
In the UK you may fly the national flag at half-mast whenever you feel it is appropriate.
You may also fly the Italian national flag at half-mast.
If you do so alongside a UK national flag, however, the latter must also be at half-mast or removed.
You should remove any other national flags, and all other flags in the same set must be at half-mast.
Special provisions apply where a flag cannot fly at half-mast; for example, if it is on an angled pole projecting from a building.
Here you may add a black cravat or ribbon to the top of the flag, closest to the flag pole.
For full guidance on flying flags at half-mast, see Flying Flags in the United Kingdom, free to download here.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Italy and the families and friends of those killed and injured in this disaster.
Graham Bartram, Chief Vexillologist
Thanks from Italy