Flag at half-mast

[edit] Introduction

The phrase 'Flags at half-mast' is used to describe a tradition of flying a flag three-quarters of the way up a flag pole, mast or also called a staff, above a building or ship as a mark of respect or mourning - or sometimes a salute. At half-mast or half-staff (as used in the U.S.) officially means that a flag is flown a third of the way down the flagpole from the top, with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.

[edit] Origins

The tradition of flying the flag at half-mast or half-staff is thought to have originated in shipping. The word mast is a shipping term for the vertical pole of a ship often carrying the sails, whilst the old English word stæf refers to a walking stick or strong pole used for carrying, also used to mean a pole from which a flag is flown around 1610. A record of the Heart’s Ease ship which returned to London in the 1600s, is probably the earliest recording example of a flag being flown half way up the pole. As the captain of the ship had died on the journey, the ship’s crew had lowered the flag to honour their departed captain as they pulled into the city. The tradition is known as British and some say that as the flag is flown at least one flag’s width lower, it makes room for an invisible flag above to represent the loss of the departed.

[edit] History of flags

It’s said that flags themselves originate from the Indian subcontinent or China. The founder of the Zhou dynasty in China 1046 – 256 BCE had a white flag carried before him as a sign of his power and regal position. Flags were carried on chariots and planted on the walls of captured cities, and continued to play a role in warfare. A symbol of triumph, achievement and nationality. The oldest flag is said to be the Danneborg, (contested also by the Scottish flag) dating back to the 13th century A.D. it was officially recognised as the Danish national flag in 1625.

[edit] Flags of the United Kingdom

The Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack) represents the kingdoms of England and Wales, of Scotland and of Ireland (although since 1921 only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom).

• The St. George's Cross or flag of England, is a red cross on a white field, originally adopted by England and the City of London in 1190 for ships entering the Mediterranean and now the national flag.
• The St Andrew's Cross, or Saltire is the flag of Scotland, a white saltire on a blue background. It is argued to be the oldest flag in Europe and the Commonwealth, originating from a battle fought in East Lothian in 832AD.
• The Red Dragon or Y Ddraig Goch is the flag of Wales, used by Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, and carried in state to St Paul's Cathedral. It was officially recognised as the Welsh national flag in 1959.
• Northern Ireland has no official nor universally accepted flag. The national flag of Northern Ireland is the Union Jack. The Ulster Banner from the former coat of arms of Northern Ireland was the flag of the Government of Northern Ireland and is used in many cases today unofficially.

The Royal Standard represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom. The Royal Standard was flown when The Queen was in residence in one of the Royal Palaces, on The Queen's car on official journeys and on aircraft (when on the ground). Direct heirs to the Throne have several distinct standards of a similar nature and represent their position. Charles, Prince of Wales currently has five standards at use for his various roles and titles.

[edit] Flag flying guidance (from HM Gov)

Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, all official flags, including the Union Flag, should be half-masted from as soon as possible today until 08.00 the day following The Queen’s State Funeral. Flags may be flown overnight during this period but should remain at half-mast.

Official flags in this instance are defined as national flags of the home nations, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, Ensigns and Ships’ colours.

Any non-official flags flying or due to be flown, such as the Rainbow Flag or the Armed Forces Day Flag, should be taken down and replaced with a Union Flag at half-mast. Other official flags scheduled to be flown can be flown as normal, but at half-mast.

Half-mast means the flag is flown a third of the way down the flagpole from the top, with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.

On poles that are more than 45° from the vertical, flags cannot be flown at half-mast and should not be flown at all.

The Union Flag must be flown the correct way up - in the half of the flag nearest the flagpole, the wider diagonal white stripe must be above the red diagonal stripe. Please see https://www.flaginstitute.org for further advice.

The Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast even after the death of a monarch, as there is always a Sovereign on the throne and it would therefore be inappropriate for it to fly at half-mast. The Union Flag will be flown at half mast on all Royal Residences.

Ref the official government website dated the 8th of September 2022.