Tag Archives | Flag protocol

Elizabeth II 1926-2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – 1926-2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 – 2022 The Flag Institute is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle on the 8th September, 2022. Her Majesty’s over 70 years of service as our Queen has been inspirational and her steadfast hand at the helm of this […]

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Platinum Jubilee flag showing the official Platinum Jubilee Emblem on a purple ground

Flags for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

HM Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for longer than any other British monarch and celebrates her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Flags, of course, will play a big part in the festivities. There is no official Platinum Jubilee flag so various styles are available – including many that display the official Platinum Jubilee Emblem (shown left). […]

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HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Half mast for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Following the very sad news of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, flags will be flown at half-mast from now until, and including, the day of the funeral, unless Her Majesty The Queen issues special commands. The funeral arrangements will be announced by Buckingham Palace and published on the Royal website. […]

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To flag or not to flag

According to The Guardian newspaper, the British government has changed the policy on flying flags on royal birthdays, with local authorities no longer required to raise the Union Flag for Prince Andrew. The Queen’s second son withdrew from public life and royal duties after a disastrous television interview defending his friendship with the late US […]

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Half-masting for Barcelona

Following the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Friday 18th August. The guidance issued by HM Government states only one day of half-masting, but in previous incidents we have had three days of half-masting, so flags could also […]

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Half-masting for London Bridge

Following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Further guidance should be issued by HM Government on Monday. In the UK you are free to fly the national flag at half-mast […]

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Half-masting for Manchester

Following the explosion at the Manchester Arena, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Further guidance should be issued by HM Government on Tuesday. In the UK you are free to fly the national flag at half-mast whenever you feel it […]

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Italian earthquake: national mourning

In central Italy, in the early morning of Wednesday 24 August 2016, at least 240 people were killed when a 6.2 earthquake hit the region around Accumoli, including the town of Amatrice and the village of Pescara del Tronto. At the time of writing rescue workers are still searching for survivors amidst the ruins of the houses. Obviously current efforts […]

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Flag of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azure

French national mourning for Nice

In Nice, on the night of Thursday 14 July 2016, at least 84 people were killed by a lorry driver deliberately crashing into the crowds on the Promenade des Anglais, where they were gathered to celebrate Bastille Day and watch a fireworks display. Following these tragic events, the French government has announced national mourning for the […]

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Flags at half mast for King Abdullah

The flying of Union Flags at Half Mast following the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has not been welcomed by some who question the nation’s human rights record. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP tweeted: “Flying flags at Half Mast on gov[ernment] buildings for the death of Saudi king is a steaming pile of nonsense. […]

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