Flag Ratio: 1:2

The Union Flag (commonly, the Union Jack) is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Historically, the flag has been used throughout the former British Empire. It still retains an official or semi-official status in many Commonwealth Realms. The current design (which is used as the national Flag of the United Kingdom) dates from the Union of Ireland and Great Britain in 1801. Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links FIAV_111000. ... Motto:   (the Royal motto3) (French for God and my right) Anthem: God Save the Queen 4 Capital London Most populous conurbation Greater London Urban Area English (de facto5) Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair Formation    - Union of the Crowns 24 March 1603   - Acts of Union... The tricolour flag of France A flag is a piece of cloth, often flown from a pole or mast, generally used symbolically for signalling or identification. ... The British Empire in 1897, marked in pink, the traditional colour for Imperial British dominions on maps. ... Semi- is a prefix to a verb or noun meaning half. Some compounds formed with it are often abbreviated to simply semi in appropriate contexts: The road vehicle (US): Semi-trailer truck (UK: articulated lorry) The watercraft: Semi-submersible The time interval in music (UK): Semiquaver, which is half the... An official (from the Latin Officialis, person – or object – related to an officium, see that article) is, in the primary sense, someone who holds an office (i. ... A Commonwealth Realm is any one of the 16 sovereign states that recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their Queen and head of state. ... Design, usually considered in the context of the applied arts, engineering, architecture, and other such creative endeavours, is used as both a noun and a verb. ... 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 (although officially this title should only be given to the flag when its flown at... The Act of Union 1800 merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain (itself a merger of England and Wales and Scotland under the Act of Union 1707) to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 1 January 1801. ...

Terminology: "Union Flag" or "Union Jack"?

The issue of whether it is acceptable to use the term "Union Jack" is one that causes considerable controversy. Although it is often asserted that "Union Jack" should only be used for the flag when it is flown as a jack (a small flag flown at the bow of a ship), it is not universally accepted that the "Jack" of "Union Jack" is a reference to such a jack flag; other explanations have been put forward ^[1]. The term possibly dates from the early 1700s, but its origin is uncertain. The word Jack may have come from the name of James VI, King of Scots who inherited the English crown, causing the flag to be designed, that is Jac from Jacobus, Latin for James. The size and power of the Royal Navy internationally at the time could also explain why the flag was nicknamed the "Union Jack"; considering the navy was so widely utilised and renowned by the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, it is possible that the term "Jack" did occur due to its regular usage on all British ships using the "Jack Staff" (a flag pole attached to a ship on the bow). Even if the term "Union Jack" does derive from the jack flag (as perhaps seems most likely), after three centuries, it is now sanctioned by usage, has appeared in official usage, and remains the popular term. The BBC website disregards the term "union flag" because of its "great potential for confusion", preferring union jack (in lower case)^[2] The term "Union Flag", on the other hand, is the term preferred in official documents by vexillologists. The Merchant Shipping Act 1995^[3] refers to the national colours of the United Kingdom as "the Union flag (commonly known as the Union Jack)". Look up Controversy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A Maritime flag or Naval Jack is a national flag used exclusively on boats and other watercraft. ... James VI and I King of England, Scotland and Ireland James VI of Scotland and I of England (Charles James) (19 June 1566–27 March 1625) was a King who ruled over England, Scotland and Ireland, and was the first Sovereign to reign in the three realms simultaneously. ... Flag of the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques. ...

History

The Union Flag before 1801

When James VI of Scotland inherited as James I of England in 1603, the crowns of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland were united in him, although each remained independent states. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (936x1044, 54 KB)Origin of the Union Jack. ... James VI and I King of England, Scotland and Ireland James VI of Scotland and I of England (Charles James) (19 June 1566–27 March 1625) was a King who ruled over England, Scotland and Ireland, and was the first Sovereign to reign in the three realms simultaneously. ... James VI and I (James Stuart) (June 19, 1566 – March 27, 1625) was King of Scots, King of England, and King of Ireland and was the first to style himself King of Great Britain. ... King James I of England/VII of Scotland, the first monarch to rule the Kingdoms of England and Scotland at the same time Events March - Samuel de Champlain, French explorer, sails to Canada March 24 - Elizabeth I of England dies and is succeeded by her cousin King James I of... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right)1 Capital Winchester, then London from 11th century. ... Royal motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin: No one provokes me with impunity) Capital Edinburgh Government Monarchy Head of State King of Scots Parliament Parliament of Scotland Currency Pound Scots This article is about the historical state called the Kingdom of Scotland (843-1707). ... A state is a set of institutions that possess the authority to make the rules that govern the people in one or more societies, having internal and external sovereignty over a definite territory. ...

On 12 April 1606, a new flag to represent this personal union between England and Scotland was specified in a royal decree, according to which the flag of England (a red cross with a white background, known as St George's Cross) and the flag of Scotland (a white saltire with a blue background, known as the Saltire or Saint Andrew's Cross) would be "joyned together according to the forme made by our heralds, and sent by Us to our Admerall to be published to our Subjects." The original sketches which accompanied this specification are lost. Until the Acts of Union 1707 it was practice for the flag in Scotland to have the Saltire over the St George's Cross and vice versa when flown in England ^{[citation needed]}. This royal flag was at first only for use at sea on civil and military ships of both Scotland and England. In 1634, its use was restricted to the monarch's ships. Land forces continued to use their respective national banners. April 12 is the 102nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (103rd in leap years). ... Events January 27 - The trial of Guy Fawkes and other conspirators begins ending in their execution on January 31 May 17 - Supporters of Vasili Shusky invade the Kremlin and kill Premier Dmitri December 26 - Shakespeares King Lear performed in court Storm buries a village of St Ismails near... A personal union is a relationship of two or more entities that are considered separate, sovereign states, which, through established law, share the same person as their respective head of state. ... The Flag of England The Flag of England is the St Georges Cross. ... St Georges cross The St Georges Cross is a red cross on a white background. ... The Saltire, the flag of Scotland, with an official Pantone 300 coloured field. ... The arms of St Albans: Azure, a saltire Or (a gold saltire on a blue field) For The Saltire (proper noun) see Flag of Scotland. ... The Saltire (or St Andrews Cross) is the national flag of Scotland. ... The Acts of Union were a pair of Acts of Parliament passed in 1706 and 1707 (taking effect on 1 May 1707) by, respectively, the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland. ... Look up monarch in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

After the Acts of Union 1707, the flag gained a regularised status, as "the ensign armorial of the Kingdom of Great Britain", the newly created state. It was then adopted by land forces as well. Various shades of blue have been used in the Saltire over the years. The ground of the current Union Flag is a deep "navy" blue (Pantone 280), while the currently accepted Saltire uses a lighter "royal" blue (Pantone 300), following the Scottish Parliament's recommendation of 2003. Events January 1 - John V is crowned King of Portugal March 26 - The Acts of Union becomes law, making the separate Kingdoms of England and Scotland into one country, the Kingdom of Great Britain. ... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right)1 Capital London Head of State King of Great Britain Head of Government Prime Minister Parliament House of Commons, House of Lords The Kingdom of Great Britain, also known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain (see below), was... Pantone Inc. ...

Wales had no explicit recognition in the flag because Wales had been annexed by Edward I of England in 1282, and since the Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542 was legally part of the Kingdom of England. (The present-day Flag of Wales and St David's Cross emerged, or re-emerged, in the 20th century: the former based on a Royal badge and the latter on the arms of the Diocese of Saint David's.) The Kingdom of Ireland, which had existed as a personal union with England since 1541, was likewise unrepresented in the original Union Flag. Motto: (Welsh for Wales forever) Anthem: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Capital Cardiff Largest city Cardiff Official language(s) English, Welsh Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM Unification    - by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1056  Area    - Total 20,779 km² (3rd in... Annexation is the legal merging of some territory into another body. ... Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307), popularly known as Longshanks because of his 6 foot 2 inch (1. ... For broader historical context, see 1280s and 13th century. ... The Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542 were a series of parliamentary measures by which the legal system of Wales was annexed to England and the norms of English administration introduced in order to create a single state and a single legal jurisdiction, which is frequently referred to as England... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right)1 Capital Winchester, then London from 11th century. ... Flag ratio: 2:3 The Welsh Dragon on the tailfin of an Air Wales ATR 42 aircraft. ... The Flag of St David The Flag of St David is normally a gold cross on a black field, although it appears in many forms including a black cross on a gold field, or with an engrailed cross. ... A badge is a device, patch, or accoutrement which is presented or displayed to annotate some feat of service, a special accomplishment, as a symbol of authority (ex: police), or as a simple means of identification. ... Pope Pius XI blesses Bishop Stephen Alencastre as fifth Apostolic Vicar of the Hawaiian Islands in a Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace window. ... St Davids (Welsh: TÅ·ddewi) is the smallest city in the United Kingdom, with a population of under 2,000 people. ... Capital Dublin Head of state King of Ireland Kings representative: Variously called Judiciar, Lord Deputy or Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Head of government: Chief Secretary for Ireland Parliament: Irish House of Commons and Irish House of Lords The Kingdom of Ireland was the name given to the English-ruled... Events The first official translation of the entire Bible in Swedish February 12 - Pedro de Valdivia founds Santiago de Chile. ...

The pre-1801 Union Flag is also shown in the canton of the Grand Union Flag (also known as the Congress flag, The First Navy Ensign, The Cambridge Flag, and The Continental Colors), the first widely used Flag of the United States. It is also shown in the canton of the Commissioners' flag of the Northern Lighthouse Board, which is the only contemporary official representation of this flag.^[4] The canton of a flag is the top inner quarter of a flag. ... Grand Union flag North Carolina Currency, 1776 Painting of flag of East India Company, 1732 The Grand Union Flag, also known as the Congress flag, the First Navy Ensign, The Cambridge Flag, and The Continental Colors is the first true Flag of the United States. ... National flag and ensign. ... Cape Wrath lighthouse The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), previously known as the Commissioners of Northern Light Houses, is the organisation responsible for marine navigation aids around the coastal areas of Scotland and the Isle of Man. ...

The blazon for the old flag, to be compared with the current flag, is Azure, the Cross Saltire of St Andrew Argent surmounted by the Cross of St George Gules, fimbriated of the second. This is an article about Heraldry. ... In heraldry and vexillology, fimbriation refers to small strips of colour placed around common charges or ordinaries in order for them to stand out from the background. ...

Other proposed versions

The Union Flag as commonly used in Scotland until 1707

Other proposed versions.

Various other designs for a common flag were drawn up following the union of the two Crowns in 1603, but were rarely, if ever, used ^[5]. The two shown here include St George's cross with St Andrew's cross in the canton, and another version where the two crosses are side-by-side. Also, some Scots were upset that the Scottish flag was underneath the English flag in the version finally adopted, and preferred a version where the Scottish cross was on top (the English flag was placed between the cross of St Andrew and its background).^{[citation needed]} Image File history File links Union_Jack_1606_Scotland. ... Image File history File links Union_Jack_1606_Scotland. ... Image File history File links Union_jack_proposed. ... Image File history File links Union_jack_proposed. ...

Many Welsh people have proposed modifying the Union Flag to include either the Red Dragon or the black and gold colours of the flag of Saint David, arguing that the current design fails to represent their country.^{[citation needed]} Motto: (Welsh for Wales forever) Anthem: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Capital Cardiff Largest city Cardiff Official language(s) English, Welsh Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM Unification    - by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1056  Area    - Total 20,779 km² (3rd in... Y Ddraig Goch on the Flag of Wales Y Ddraig Goch (Welsh for the red dragon) appears on the national Flag of Wales, and is the most famous dragon in Britain. ... The Flag of St David The Flag of St David is normally a gold cross on a black field, although it appears in many forms including a black cross on a gold field, or with an engrailed cross. ...

In June 2003, Nigel Turner proposed adding black stripes to the Union Jack in order to better reflect Britain's multiracial society[2]; this is also a response to the racist chant there ain't no black in the Union Jack. June 2003 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December Events June 1, 2003 The Group of Eight summit opens in Evian, France to tight security and tens of thousands of protestors. ... The terms multiracial, biracial, and mixed-race describe people whose ancestors are not of a single race. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ...

Since 1801

The current Union Flag dates from 1 January 1801 with the Act of Union 1800, which merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The new design added the red saltire cross of Saint Patrick's Flag for Ireland. This saltire is overlaid on the saltire of St Andrew, but still beneath the cross of St George. To make it clear Ireland was not superior to Scotland, the Irish cross was made thinner and half covered by the saltire of St Andrew. The arrangement has introduced a requirement to display the flag "the right way up"; see specifications for flag use, below. The red cross is thought to have come from the heraldic device of the Fitzgerald family who were sent by Henry II of England to aid Anglo-Norman rule in Ireland and has rarely been used as an emblem of Ireland by the Irish: a harp, a Celtic cross, a shamrock, or (since 1922) an Irish tricolour have been more common. However, the exact origin of the flag is unknown, with evidence of saltires being present on ancient Irish coins and maps. The St Patrick's saltire flag has been used in more recent times for St Patrick's Day in Northern Ireland, by various organisations wishing to avoid the sectarianism that may be implied by the use of either the tricolour or symbols of Unionism. January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... The Act of Union 1800 merged the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain (itself a merger of England and Wales and Scotland under the Act of Union 1707) to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 1 January 1801. ... Capital Dublin Head of state King of Ireland Kings representative: Variously called Judiciar, Lord Deputy or Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Head of government: Chief Secretary for Ireland Parliament: Irish House of Commons and Irish House of Lords The Kingdom of Ireland was the name given to the English-ruled... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right)1 Capital London Head of State King of Great Britain Head of Government Prime Minister Parliament House of Commons, House of Lords The Kingdom of Great Britain, also known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain (see below), was... Royal motto: Dieu et mon droit (French: God and my right)1 Capital London Language English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy Head of State British monarch Head of Govt. ... The arms of St Albans: Azure, a saltire Or (a gold saltire on a blue field) For The Saltire (proper noun) see Flag of Scotland. ... Saint Patricks Flag: a red saltire on a field of white The Saint Patricks Flag features a red saltire, a crux decussata (X-shaped cross), on a white field; representing Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 Union Jack is the commonly used name for the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ... The Duke of Leinster (referring to Leinster and, unlike the Province, pronounced Linster) is Irelands premier peer. ... Henry II of England (5 March 1133 – 6 July 1189) ruled as Count of Anjou, Duke of Normandy, and as King of England (1154–1189) and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland[citation needed], eastern Ireland, and western France. ... The harp is a stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicular to the soundboard. ... Celtic cross For Celtic Cross, the ambient/dub band see Celtic Cross (band) A Celtic cross is a symbol that combines the cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. ... The Shamrock The shamrock, an unofficial symbol of Ireland and Boston, Massachusetts, is a three-leaved young white clover, sometimes (rarely nowadays) Trifolium repens (white clover, known in Irish as seamair bhán) but more usually today Trifolium dubium (lesser clover, Irish: seamair bhuí). The shamrock was traditionally used for... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The National Flag of Ireland (Irish: An Bhratach Náisiúnta), also known as the Irish tricolour, is the national flag of the Republic of Ireland. ... Statue of Saint Patrick Saint Patrick (died March 17, 462, 492, or 493), is the patron saint of Ireland. ... Motto: [citation needed] (French for God and my right)2 Anthem: UK: God Save the Queen Regional: (de facto) Londonderry Air Capital Belfast Largest city Belfast Official language(s) English (de facto), Irish, Ulster Scots 3, NI Sign Language Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The National Flag of Ireland (Irish: An Bhratach Náisiúnta), also known as the Irish tricolour, is the national flag of the Republic of Ireland. ...

The current flag is blazoned Azure, the Crosses Saltire of St Andrew and St Patrick, quarterly per saltire, counterchanged Argent and Gules, the latter fimbriated of the second, surmounted by the Cross of St George of the third, fimbriated as the saltire. This is an article about Heraldry. ...

Status

The Union Jack is used as a jack by commissioned Royal Navy warships. When at anchor or alongside, it is flown from the jackstaff at the prow of the ship. It can only be flown when underway to indicate that either a court-martial is in progress or to indicate the presence of an Admiral of the Fleet onboard; including the Lord High Admiral, the British Monarch.^[6] Flags are particularly important at sea, where they can mean the difference between life and death, and consequently where the rules and regulations for the flying of flags are strictly enforced. ... The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore the Senior Service). ... First Navy Jack being raised on a jackstaff A jackstaff is a small vertical spar (pole) in the bow of a ship, on which a particular type of flag, know as a jack, is flown. ... Prow, the fore part of a ship, the stem and its surrounding parts, hence used like keel, by metonymy, of the ship itself. ... A court-martial (plural courts-martial) is a military court that determines punishments for members of the military subject to military law. ... Admiral of the Fleet is a supreme naval position that has existed in historical navies and still exists in several modern-day navies. ... For the international law of the sea, see Admiralty law. ... The British monarch or Sovereign is the monarch and head of state of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, and is the source of all executive, judicial and (as the Queen-in-Parliament) legislative power. ...

No law has ever been passed making the Union Flag the national flag of the United Kingdom; rather it has become one through usage. Its first recorded recognition as a national flag came in 1908, when it was stated in Parliament that "the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag". A more categorical statement was made by the Home Secretary in 1933, when he stated that "the Union Jack is the National Flag". The Secretary of State for the Home Department, commonly known as the Home Secretary, is the minister in charge of the United Kingdom Home Office and is responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales, and for immigration and citizenship for the whole United Kingdom (including Scotland and Northern Ireland). ...

Civilian use is permitted, but stricter guidelines apply for use on naval vessels where the flag may not be used as a jack by merchant ships (see below). Interestingly, unauthorised use of the flag in the 17th Century to avoid paying harbour duties - a privilege restricted to naval ships - caused James' successor, Charles I, to order that use of the flag on naval vessels be restricted to His Majesty's ships "upon pain of Our high displeasure". Those restrictions remain, and still today it is a criminal offence to fly the Union Flag from a boat. Charles I (19 November 1600 – 30 January 1649) was King of England, King of Ireland, and King of Scots from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. ...

The Court of the Lord Lyon, which has criminal jurisdiction in heraldic matters in Scotland, confirms that the Union Flag "is the correct flag for all citizens and corporate bodies of the United Kingdom to fly to demonstrate their loyalty and their nationality." Arms of the Office of the Lord Lyon The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that kingdom, issuing new grants of arms, and serving as the judge of the oldest Heraldic court in the world that...

The Union Flag has been in usage in Canada dating back to the British settlement in Nova Scotia in 1621. At the close of the Great Flag Debate of 1964, which resulted in the adoption of the Maple Leaf Flag as the Canadian national flag, the Parliament of Canada voted to keep the Royal Union Flag as an official flag of Canada and as the symbol of Canada's membership of the Commonwealth and her allegiance to the Crown. It is commonly flown alongside the Maple-Leaf Flag on Commonwealth Day and other royal occasions and anniversaries. The National Flag of Canada, popularly known as the Maple Leaf and lUnifolié (French for the one-leaved), is a base red flag with a white square in its centre featuring a stylized, 11-pointed, red maple leaf. ... Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and which is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey normally attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth High...

Use in other flags

Other nations and regions

The Flag of Australia incorporates the Union Flag.

The Flag of New Zealand incorporates the Union Flag.

The Flag of Fiji incorporates the Union Flag.

The Flag of Tuvalu incorporates the Union Flag.

The Union Flag was found in the canton (top left-hand corner) of the flags of many colonies of the UK, while the field (background) of their flags was the colour of the naval ensign flown by the particular Royal Navy squadron that patrolled that region of the World. Image File history File links Flag_of_Australia. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Australia. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The Australian Flag at full mast. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_New_Zealand. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The Flag of New Zealand is a defaced blue ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Fiji. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Fiji. ... Categories: Stub | Fiji | Fiji-related stubs | National flags | Blue Ensigns ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tuvalu. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Tuvalu. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The current Flag of Tuvalu was instated when the country became independent in 1978, after the separation from the Gilberts in 1976. ... The design and description of flags typically uses specialised flag terminology with precise and technical meanings (a form of jargon). ... In heraldry the background of the shield is called the field . ... The White Ensign. ... The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore the Senior Service). ...

All administrative regions and territories of the United Kingdom fly the Union Flag in some form, with the exception of Gibraltar (other than the government ensign) and the Crown Dependencies. Outside the UK itself, it is usually part of a special ensign in which the Union Flag is placed in the upper left hand corner of a blue field, with a signifying crest in the bottom right. Crown dependencies are possessions of the British Crown, as opposed to overseas territories or colonies. ... Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy. ...

Four countries currently incorporate the Union Flag as part of their own national flags: Australia, New Zealand, Tuvalu, and Fiji (although Fiji is a republic, unlike Australia and New Zealand).

In former British colonies, the Union Flag was used semi-interchangeably with territorial flags for significant parts of their early history. This was also the case in Canada until the introduction of the Maple Leaf Flag in 1965, but it is still used in the flags of a number of Canadian provinces like British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario. Newfoundland and Labrador uses a modified version of the Union Jack, once the flag of province. Canadian law still allows the Union Flag, known in Canada as the Royal Union Flag, to be flown by private individuals and government agencies to show support for the Monarch and the Commonwealth. The National Flag of Canada, popularly known as the Maple Leaf and lUnifolié (French for the one-leaved), is a base red flag with a white square in its centre featuring a stylized, 11-pointed, red maple leaf. ... Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu (Latin: Splendour without diminishment) Official languages English de facto (none stated in law) Flower Pacific dogwood Tree Western Redcedar Bird Stellers Jay Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seats  - Senate seats 36 6 Area... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Latin: Glorious and free) Official languages English and French, per mandate of the Constitution Act 1982 Flower Prairie Crocus Tree White Spruce Bird Great Grey Owl Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Lieutenant-Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Parliamentary representation  - House seat  - Senate seats 14... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Official languages English Flower White Trillium Tree Eastern White Pine Bird Common Loon Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Parliamentary representation  - House seats  - Senate seats 106 24 Area Total... Motto: Quaerite Prime Regnum Dei (Latin: Seek ye first the kingdom of God) Official languages English Flower Pitcher Plant Tree Black Spruce Bird Atlantic Puffin Capital St. ...

In addition to Australia's National Flag many other Australian flags retain the use of the Union Flag, including: the Royal Australian Navy Ensign (also known as the Australian White Ensign), the Royal Australian Air Force Ensign, the Australian Red Ensign (for use by merchant and private vessels) and the Australian Civil Aviation Ensign. In addition, the flags of the six Australian States all retain the use of Union Flag in the canton. Finally, the Vice-Regal flags of the State Governors also retain the use of the Union Flag. See List of Australian flags for more information. Flag ratio: 1:2 The Royal Australian Navy Ensign is the flag used by the Royal Australian Navy. ... The Royal Australian Air Force Ensign is used by the Royal Australian Air Force in Australia and overseas. ... Flag ratio: 1:2 The Australian Red Ensign resulted from the Commonwealth Government Federal Design Competition, which required an official flag and a merchant or shipping version of the same design. ... Australian Civil Aviation Ensign The Australian Civil Aviation Ensign is an Australian flag that was used by the Australian Civil Aviation Authority. ... The design and description of flags typically uses specialised flag terminology with precise and technical meanings (a form of jargon). ... This is a list of flags used in Australia: // National Flag States and Territories Royal and Viceregal Queen of Australia Governor-General of Australia Governors Civil Ensigns Military and Naval flags External territories Indigenous Australian Historical Categories: | ...

The Basque Country's flag, the Ikurriña is also loosely based on the Union Flag, reflecting the significant commercial ties between Bilbao and England at the time the Ikurriña was designed (1894). The Miskito people sometimes use a similar flag that also incorporates the Union Flag in its canton, due to long periods of contact in the Mosquito Coast. Location of Historical Territory of the Basque Country The Ikurriña, Basque Country flag The Lauburu, Basque Country symbol This article is about the overall Basque domain. ... The Ikurriña, flag designed by the founders of the Basque Nationalist Party EAJ-PNV Luis and Sabino Arana, is regarded as the national symbol of Euskal Herria, or the Basque Country. ... La Muy Noble y Muy Leal e Invicta (The most noble and most loyal and undefeated) Location Location of Bilbao in Spain and Biscay Coordinates : 43,15° n. ... The Ikurriña, flag designed by the founders of the Basque Nationalist Party EAJ-PNV Luis and Sabino Arana, is regarded as the national symbol of Euskal Herria, or the Basque Country. ... For the insect, see mosquito The Miskito are a Native American people in Central America. ... The design and description of flags typically uses specialised flag terminology with precise and technical meanings (a form of jargon). ... Mosquito Coast, Honduras/Nicaragua The article is about the Central American area. ...

The jack of the Russian Navy is a common equivalent to the British one with the St. George and St. Andrew crosses reversed in order and colours but unmistakable based on the same design. The Russian Navy (Russian: Военно Морской Флот (ВМФ) - Voyenno- Morskoy Flot (VMF) or Military Maritime Fleet) is the naval arm of the Russian armed forces. ... For alternate uses, see Saint George (disambiguation) Saint George on horseback rides alongside a wounded dragon being led by a princess, late 19th century engraving. ... Saint Andrew (Greek: Andreas, manly), the Christian Apostle, brother of Saint Peter, was born at Bethsaida on the Lake of Galilee. ...

The Union Flag was also used by the United States in their first flag, the Grand Union Flag. This flag was the same design as the one used by the British East India Company. Grand Union flag North Carolina Currency, 1776 Painting of flag of East India Company, 1732 The Grand Union Flag, also known as the Congress flag, the First Navy Ensign, The Cambridge Flag, and The Continental Colors is the first true Flag of the United States. ... The BEIC, sometimes referred to as John Company, was a joint-stock company which was granted an English Royal Charter by Elizabeth I on December 31, 1600, with the intention of favouring trade privileges in India. ...

One state of the United States, Hawaii, incorporates the Union Flag in its state flag. The canton of the Flag of Hawaii reveals the British influence over those islands in the late 19th century.
This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Ka Hae Hawai‘i, or the Flag of Hawai‘i Ka Hae Hawai‘i, or the flag of Hawai`i, is the official standard symbolizing Hawaii as a kingdom (under a short British annexation), protectorate, republic, territory and state. ...

Flag of the British Antarctic Territory Flag of the Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory The Flag of the British Antarctic Territory was granted in 1963, when the British Antarctic Territory was created. ... Flag of British Columbia The Flag of British Columbia is a banner of the provincial arms. ... The Canadian Red Ensign, this design was used from 1957 until 1965. ... Ka Hae Hawai‘i, or the Flag of Hawai‘i Ka Hae Hawai‘i, or the flag of Hawai`i, is the official standard symbolizing Hawaii as a kingdom (under a short British annexation), protectorate, republic, territory and state. ... Manitobas official flag since 1965 The Flag of Manitoba is a variation of the Red Ensign which bears the shield of the provincial coat of arms. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The current state flag of New South Wales was officially adopted in 1876. ... Ontarios official flag since 1965 The current Flag of Ontario was proclaimed the official flag of the Canadian province of Ontario by the Flag Act on May 21, 1965. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The state flag of Queensland is a British Blue Ensign defaced with the state badge on a white disc in the fly. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The current state flag of South Australia, a state of Australia, was officially adopted in 1904. ... Flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Flag of the Civil Commissioner of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands The Flag of the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands was granted in 1985, when the Territory was created. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The current state flag of Tasmania was officially adopted by the government of Tasmania in 1875. ... The Flag of Tristan da Cunha The Flag of Tristan da Cunha was adopted on October 20, in a proclamation made by the Governor of Saint Helena under a Royal Warrant granted by Queen Elizabeth II. Prior to this, as a dependancy of Saint Helena, Tristan du Cunha used the... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The current state flag of Victoria in Australia is a British Blue Ensign defaced by the state badge of Victoria in the fly. ... Flag Ratio: 1:2 The current state flag of Western Australia was officially adopted by the government of Western Australia in 1953. ...

Ensigns

The White Ensign of the Royal Navy.

Main article: British ensigns.

The Union Flag can be found in the canton of several of the ensigns flown by vessels and aircraft of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories. Image File history File links Naval_Ensign_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links Naval_Ensign_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... The White Ensign. ... The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore the Senior Service). ... The White Ensign. ... Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy. ...

Pilot Jack

The flag in a white border occasionally seen on merchant ships was sometimes referred to as the Pilot Jack. It can be traced back to 1823 when it was created as a signal flag, never intended as a civil jack. A book issued to British consuls in 1855 states that the white bordered Union Flag is to be hoisted for a pilot. Although there was some ambiguity regarding the legality of it being flown for any other purpose on civilian vessels, its use as an ensign or jack was established well in advance of the 1864 Act that designated the Red Ensign for merchant shipping. In 1970 the white-bordered Union Flag ceased to be the signal for a pilot, but references to it as national colours were not removed from the current Merchant Shipping Act and it was legally interpreted as a flag that could be flown on a merchant ship, as a jack if desired. This status was confirmed by the Merchant Shipping (Registration, etc.) Act 1993 and the consolidating Merchant Shipping Act 1995 which prohibits the use of any distinctive national colours or those used or resembling flags or pendants on Her Majesty's Ships, except the Red Ensign, the Union Flag with a white border, and some other exceptions permitted elsewhere in the Acts. Consul (abbrev. ... The Red Ensign, as currently used by the United Kingdoms Merchant Navy The Red Ensign is a flag that originated in the early 1600s as an ensign flown by the Royal Navy. ... The Red Ensign, as currently used by the United Kingdoms Merchant Navy The Red Ensign is a flag that originated in the early 1600s as an ensign flown by the Royal Navy. ...

Flag days

Canada

In Canada, the Royal Union Flag is flown on specified days from federal buildings, airports, military bases and other government buildings on the following days:

• Second Sunday in March (Commonwealth Day)
• Victoria Day- the official birthday of the monarch (the Monday preceding May 24)
• December 11- the anniversary of the proclamation of the Statute of Westminster 1931

The flag is only flown where physical arrangements allow (e.g., when there is more than one flag pole). The flag of Canada is never moved to make room for the Royal Union Flag. Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and which is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey normally attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth High... Victoria Day (French: Fête de la Reine) is a Canadian Statutory Holiday celebrated on the Monday on or before May 24 in honour of both Queen Victorias birthday and the current reigning Canadian Sovereigns birthday. ... Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a Commonwealth Realm with Queen Elizabeth II as its reigning monarch and head of state. ... May 24 is the 144th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (145th in leap years). ... December 11 is the 345th day (346th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Statute of Westminster 1931 was the enactment of the United Kingdom Parliament (December 11, 1931) which established a status of legislative equality between the self-governing dominions of the British Empire and the United Kingdom. ... The National Flag of Canada, popularly known as the Maple Leaf and lUnifolié (French for the one-leaved), is a base red flag with a white square in its centre featuring a stylized, 11-pointed, red maple leaf. ...

United Kingdom

In the UK, the Union Flag is only flown on public buildings as decided by Department for Culture, Media and Sport or on the command of the British monarch. 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. The Union Flag is flown at half mast from the announcement of the death of the Sovereign (save for Proclamation Day), or upon command of the Sovereign^[7]. Contrarily, the Royal Standard is never flown at half mast. DCMS Logo DCMS headquarters in Cockspur Street The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (sometimes abbreviated DCMS) is a department of the British government. ... The British monarch or Sovereign is the monarch and head of state of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, and is the source of all executive, judicial and (as the Queen-in-Parliament) legislative power. ... Members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony Close relatives of the monarch of the United Kingdom are known by the appellation The Royal Family. ... Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and which is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey normally attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth High... Accession Day is the anniversary of the day a monarch succeeds to the throne upon the death of the previous monarch. ... Coronation Day is the anniversary of the coronation of a monarch, the day a king or queen is formally crowned and invested with the regalia. ... In Jersey the Lieutenant-Governor hosts a reception for the public at Government House to mark the Queens Official Birthday at which he announces recipients of Birthday Honours The Queens Birthday or Queens Official Birthday is celebrated as a public holiday in several Commonwealth countries (usually Commonwealth... In the United Kingdom Remembrance Sunday is the Sunday nearest to 11 November - Remembrance Day, which is the anniversary of when hostilities in the First World War ended at 11 a. ... Flag Flying Half-Staff over the White House Half-mast, or half-staff, describes the act of flying a flag approximately halfway up a flagpole (though anywhere from one-third to two-thirds of the way up the flagpole is acceptable). ... Several countries use the term Royal Standard to describe the flag used by the monarch and members of the royal family. ...

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

• January 20 (Birthday of The Countess of Wessex)
• February 6 (Anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II)
• February 19 (Birthday of The Duke of York)
• Second Sunday in March (Commonwealth Day)
• March 10 (Birthday of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex)
• April 21 (Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II)
• May 9 (Europe Day)
• June 2 (Anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II)
• June 10 (Birthday of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
• June (no fixed date)- Official Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II
• July 17 (Birthday of the The Duchess of Cornwall)
• August 15 (Birthday of the Princess Royal)
• Second Sunday in November (Remembrance Sunday)
• November 14 (Birthday of The Prince of Wales)
• November 20 (Anniversary of the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh)

In addition, the Union Flag should be flown in the following areas on specified days: January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Earl and Countess of Wessex on their wedding day The Countess of Wessex (Sophie Helen Mountbatten-Windsor, née Rhys-Jones), (born January 20, 1965), is the wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... February 6 is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Elizabeth II in an official portrait as Queen of Canada (on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002, wearing the Sovereigns badges of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary) (born 21 April 1926), styled HM The... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The Prince Andrew, Duke of York KG, KCVO, ADC(P) (Andrew Albert Christian Edward Mountbatten-Windsor; born Windsor, 19 February 1960), is a member of the British Royal Family, the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II. He has held the title of Duke of York since 1986. ... Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations held on the second Monday in March, and which is marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey normally attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth High... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in leap years). ... The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, (Edward Antony Richard Louis Mountbatten-Windsor), styled HRH The Earl of Wessex, KG (born March 10, 1964), is a member of the British royal family, the youngest child and third son of Queen Elizabeth II. He has held the title of Earl of Wessex... April 21 is the 111th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (112th in leap years). ... May 9 is the 129th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (130th in leap years). ... The Council of Europe (COE) has developed a series of European symbols for the continent of Europe, and these have since been shared with the European Union (EU). ... June 2 is the 153rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (154th in leap years), with 212 days remaining. ... June 10 is the 161st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (162nd in leap years), with 204 days remaining. ... The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, (Philip Mountbatten; born Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark, 10 June 1921) is the husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally a Prince of Greece and Denmark, Prince Philip abandoned those titles to serve in the Royal Navy, but did not renounce them. ... In Jersey the Lieutenant-Governor hosts a reception for the public at Government House to mark the Queens Official Birthday at which he announces recipients of Birthday Honours The Queens Birthday or Queens Official Birthday is celebrated as a public holiday in several Commonwealth countries (usually Commonwealth... July 17 is the 198th day (199th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 167 days remaining. ... Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Rosemary Mountbatten-Windsor; formerly Parker Bowles; born Shand, 17 July 1947) is the second wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the thrones of the United Kingdom and the other 15 Commonwealth Realms. ... August 15 is the 227th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (228th in leap years), with 138 days remaining. ... The Princess Anne, Princess Royal, (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise Laurence; formerly Mountbatten-Windsor, Phillips; born Windsor, 15 August 1950), is a member of the British Royal Family and the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II. She is the seventh holder of the title Princess Royal, and is currently ninth in... In the United Kingdom Remembrance Sunday is the Sunday nearest to 11 November - Remembrance Day, which is the anniversary of when hostilities in the First World War ended at 11 a. ... November 14 is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 47 days remaining until the end of the year. ... The Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor; born Windsor, 14 November 1948), is the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ... November 20 is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

• March 1 (Wales only for Saint David's Day)
• April 23 (England only for Saint George's Day)
• November 30 (Scotland only for Saint Andrew's Day)
• The Day of the Opening of a Session of the Houses of Parliament (Greater London area only)
• The day of the prorogation of a Session of the Houses of Parliament (Greater London area only)

There is no specified day for March 17 (Saint Patrick's Day) in Northern Ireland. March 1 is the 60th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (61st in leap years). ... Motto: (Welsh for Wales forever) Anthem: Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Capital Cardiff Largest city Cardiff Official language(s) English, Welsh Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM Unification    - by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn 1056  Area    - Total 20,779 km² (3rd in... Saint Davids Day (Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant) is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on March 1 each year. ... April 23 is the 113th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (114th in leap years). ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq mi  Population    - 2005 est. ... Saint George oil painting by Raphael St Georges Day is celebrated in several nations of whom Saint George is the patron saint, including England, Georgia, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Catalonia. ... November 30 is the 334th day (335th on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 31 days remaining. ... Motto: (Latin for No one provokes me with impunity)1 Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official language(s) English, Gaelic, Scots 2 Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen of the UK Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister of the UK Tony Blair MP  - First Minister Jack McConnell MSP Unification... Saint Andrew (Greek: Andreas, manly), the Christian Apostle, brother of Saint Peter, was born at Bethsaida on the Lake of Galilee. ... Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London, England. ... Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London, England. ... March 17 is the 76th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (77th in Leap years). ... St. ... Motto: [citation needed] (French for God and my right)2 Anthem: UK: God Save the Queen Regional: (de facto) Londonderry Air Capital Belfast Largest city Belfast Official language(s) English (de facto), Irish, Ulster Scots 3, NI Sign Language Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair...

Non government organisations may fly the flag whenever they choose.

Specifications for flag use

Correct way to fly the flag, assuming flagpole to the left.

Incorrect way to fly the flag, unless flagpole is to the right.

A careful examination of the flag shows that it does not have reflectional symmetry, due to the slight pinwheeling of St. Patrick's cross, which is technically called the counterchange of saltires. Thus, it has a right side and a wrong side up. To fly the flag the correct way up, the broad portion of the white cross of St Andrew should be above the red band of St Patrick (and the thin white portion below) in the upper hoist canton (the corner at the top nearest to the flag-pole), giving the Scottish symbol precedence over the Irish symbol. This is expressed by the phrases wide white top and broad side up. Traditionally, flying a flag upside down is understood as a distress signal. In the case of the Union Jack, the difference is so subtle as to be easily missed by many. In the past this has been taken advantage of by the British Army. On one occasion, a British stronghold had been captured. The captured Britons were ordered to keep flying the flag so that it was not obvious that the stronghold had fallen. However, they flew it upside-down, thus alerting some sharp-eyed British reinforcements.^{[citation needed]} It is, however, practicable with the various ensigns that are actually flown by British naval, commercial, and pleasure craft. Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom_reversed. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom_reversed. ... The White Ensign. ...

The normal dimensions of the flag are 1:2, except in the British Army where a 3:5 version is used. The British Army's flag is the Union Flag, but in 1938 a "British Army Non-Ceremonial Flag" was devised, featuring a Lion on crossed blades with the St Edward's Crown on a red background. This is not the equivalent of the ensigns of the other armed services, but is used at recruiting and military or sporting events, when the Army needs to be identified but the reverence and ceremony due to the regimental flags and the Union Flag would be inappropriate. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... Coronation Chair and Regalia of England St Edwards Crown is one of the British Crown Jewels used primarily in the coronation of a new monarch. ... A regiment is a military unit, consisting of a group of battalions, usually four and commanded by a colonel. ...

The colour specifications for the colours Union Jack (Royal) Blue, Union Jack Red and White are ^[8]:

* Not official; these are Wikimedia Commons' own conversions of the Pantone. Pantone Inc. ... CIE 1931 xy chromaticity diagram showing the gamut of the sRGB color space and location of the primaries. ... Web colors are colors used in designing web pages, and the methods for describing and specifying those colors. ... The RGB color model is an additive model in which red, green and blue (often used in additive light models) are combined in various ways to reproduce other colors. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the United Kingdom government department responsible for implementation of government defence policy and the headquarters of the British Armed Forces. ... NATO 2002 Summit in Prague The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation[1] (NATO), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, the Atlantic Alliance or the Western Alliance, is an international organisation for collective security established in 1949, in support of the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington, DC, on 4 April 1949. ...

Other names

• In Canada the flag is officially called the Royal Union Flag.
• In China the flag has the nickname Rice Flag (米字旗) since the pattern looks like the Chinese character "rice" (米).
• In Ireland the flag is sometimes called the Butcher's Apron among nationalists.^[9]. This reference was also used in the 2006 film The Wind That Shakes the Barley, implying that it was used in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Ireland.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a 2006 Irish film set during the Irish War of Independence (1919–21) and the subsequent Irish Civil War of 1922–23. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999...

Trivia

• It is a criminal offence to fly the Union Flag from a civilian boat, unless it has a white border. ^[3].
• As it is a royal flag, it was abolished by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, before being restored, along with the monarchy, in 1660 ^[2].

A boat is a craft or vessel designed to float on, and provide transport over, water. ... Oliver Cromwell (April 25, 1599–September 3, 1658) was an English military and political leader best known for making England a republic and leading the Commonwealth of England. ... Places where monarchies maintain rule appear in blue. ...

Notes

1. ^ Union Flag. Official web site of the British Monarchy.
2. ^ ^{a b} "Union recognition" BBC News online article.
3. ^ ^{a b} Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (c. 21) section 4(1)(a)(ii)
4. ^ www.fotw.net/flags/gb-lthse.html#cnlc Flags of the World, Northern Lighthouse Commissioner's Flag
5. ^ The Kings and Queens of England and Scotland by Plantagenet Somerset Fry (Grove Press, 1990). Includes several proposed versions of the original Union Flag.
6. ^ Flags of the World Use of the Union Jack at Sea
7. ^ Department of Culture, Media and Sport's rules, issued on behalf of The Queen
8. ^ The Flag Institute
9. ^ [1]. The Sunday Business Post, June 25, 2006 "Irish republicans have long called it the butcher’s apron, an imaginative and pointed interpretation of its lurid colours and bloody history."

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor; born 21 April 1926) is Queen of 16 sovereign states, holding each crown and title equally. ... The Sunday Business Post is an Irish national Sunday newspaper published by Thomas Crosbie Holdings Limited. ... June 25 is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 189 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• List of British flags — a list of flags used within the United Kingdom.
• Gallery of flags based on British ensigns
• Gallery of flags by design
• Cross
• Union Jack Club, London

This is a list of flags used by and in the United Kingdom and related territories. ... This is a gallery of flags based on British ensigns. ... This is a gallery of flags arranged by design. ... A Greek cross (all arms of equal length) above a saltire, a cross rotated by 45 degrees For other uses, see Cross (disambiguation). ... The Union Jack Club is a residential London club for members (and families) of the British Armed Services, including serving members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces, below commissioned rank. ... London (pronounced ) is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. ...

External links

• Drawing the Union Flag
• United Kingdom at Flags of the World
• The Flag Institute — The Union Flag
• The Lyon Court: Flags
• Monochrome Union Flag not flown to avoid controversy
• British flags during The Protectorate and the Commonwealth of England – see external link
• British Monarchy — Union Flag
• BBC page for 400th anniversary of flag

Flags of the United Kingdom
UK	National flag (Union Flag) | Royal Standard
Home Nations	England | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Wales
Ensigns	Blue Ensign | Red Ensign | White Ensign | Royal Air Force Ensign