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The Union Flag is flown on all government buildings on the Queen’s Birthday by order of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Town Halls and local authorities are encouraged to follow suit, although they are not legally obliged to do so.

Merchant ships are not legally bound to fly a courtesy flag when entering or leaving a foreign port. However, it is regarded as a sign of respect to do so which signifies that the vessel will adhere to the laws and sovereignty of the country.

We have many inquiries as to what size flag should be flown. The general rule is; one inch of fly for every two feet of vessel. Therefore, a 36-foot vessel would require an 18-inch flag.

In England, St George’s Day honours St George, the country’s patron saint. The 23rd of April, the anniversary of his death, is celebrated as England’s national day.

Although no longer observed as a national holiday, many establishments mark the day by flying the St George Cross while others celebrate with festivities and parades.

April 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the outbreak of the Falklands War. The 74-day conflict between Argentine and British forces resulted in the loss of 1,000 lives, including those of more than 250 British personnel.

The Royal British Legion has invited veterans of the campaign, family members and all who supported the Armed Forces to their commemorative event. This will be held on Tuesday 14th June at the National Memorial Arboretum 

Prince Philip’s Standard

In 2018, part of a Union flag said to be flown from Nelson’s ship, sold at auction for £297,000. The fragment dating from circa 1801-1805, measured a mere 36″ x 34″ and is believed to be either from the bottom right, or the top left section of the Union that was placed on Nelson’s coffin.

The piece was made up of hand-woven red, white and blue fabric and the separate sections were all hand-stitched together. It must have taken many hours of work to produce as the Union is a complicated flag to make, even with today’s electric sewing machines.

In July 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron decided to revert the blue of the French flag to navy. This was the correct shade until it was changed from the darker blue to a lighter blue, in 1976, to match the European Union flag. Apparently, not many people have acknowledged this change and continue to use the lighter blue. However, we have asked our customers to choose which blue they wished us to use. They all opted for navy blue. Henceforth, navy is the shade we shall use from now on.

Orders for the Ukraine national flag have gone through the roof. It has been difficult to keep up with the demand, as many in the UK wish to show their support for the people of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with them at this dreadful time.