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Flag of the United Kingdom

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Flag Ratio: 1:2
Flag Ratio: 3:5

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland uses as its national flag the Royal Banner commonly known as the Union Flag or, popularly, Union Jack. The current design of the Union Flag dates from the union of Ireland and Great Britain in 1801. It consists of a blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). Its correct proportions are 1:2. However, the version officially used by the British Army modifies the proportions to 3:5. While almost symmetric, the flag is slightly different if placed upside down. Placing the flag upside down is considered offensive by some [1].

The history, current status, and nomenclature of the Union Flag, and its use other than as a flag for the United Kingdom (for example, in Australia), are treated more fully under the article Union Jack.

Flag days

Currently the flag is flown on days marking the birthdays of members of the Royal family, the wedding anniversary of the monarch, Commonwealth Day, Accession Day, Coronation Day, The Queen's official birthday, Remembrance Sunday and on the days of the State Opening and prorogation of Parliament. On the news of the death of a member of the Royal family, the flag will be flown at half mast.

The flag is only flown on public buildings as decided by Department for Culture, Media and Sport or on the command of the British monarch.

The current flag days when the Union Flag should be flown all over the UK are:

In addition, the flag should be flown in the following areas on the specified days:

There is no specified day for Saint Patrick's Day (traditionally celebrated on March 17) in Northern Ireland.

See also


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