Union Jack: Do you know the correct way up?
The country will be awash with Union Jack flags for the King's coronation celebrations, but many people will undoubtedly be hanging them the wrong way up.
Because the Union Flag is not symmetrical, many people unknowingly hang it upside down.
To back this up, a YouGov poll from 2017 revealed that fewer than half of the UK population knows the history or even how to correctly fly the Union Flag. So, below we have put together a handy guide on when, why or how it should be displayed.
Flying the Union Flag upside down
It is often said that when the Union Flag is flown upside down, it is a form of distress signal – a coded signal – and should only be used as such.
In the UK, flying a flag upside down can be considered an insult, even if it is an honest mistake.
In a 2017 YouGov poll, participants were shown two images of the Union Flag – one being flown upside down, and one the correct way up – only 45% of people who were asked could identify which one was being flown incorrectly.
Do you know the correct way up?
When flown correctly, the fat white bar in the top corner of the flag, closest to the flagpole, should be along the top edge of the flag, not the flagpole edge.
When was the Union Flag first created?
The first use of the Union Flag was in 1606 and only combined the flags of England and Scotland.
The present Union Flag dates from 1801 when St Patrick's Cross was added following the union of Great Britain and Ireland.
Why is Wales not featured on the Union Flag?
While the Welsh dragon does not appear on the Union Flag, Wales is already represented by the Cross of St George.
When the Union Flag was created, Wales had already been invaded and was part of the former Kingdom of England.
Which is the correct name - Union Jack or Union Flag?
The flag is the same despite both names but some believe it can only be called the Union Jack when it's sailed at sea, and when on land, it should be called the Union Flag.
It has been argued that the flag should be called the Union Jack when it is flown on a ship or vessel at sea, because a "jack" is a small flag that is hung over a mast on a boat.
The name Jack is thought to be derived from the naval term 'jackstaff' – the small vertical spar (pole) on the bow of a ship, where the Union Jack is usually flown.
However, a publication called Flying Flags, produced by Parliament's Flags & Heraldry Committee, confirms that both names can be used, no matter where it is flown.
When can you fly the Union Flag?
Flags should be flown every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset.
If a flag is to be flown at night, it should be illuminated.
Can you fly the Union Flag in your garden?
You do not need to seek permission to fly the Union Flag. Anyone can fly the flag and it is actively encouraged.
However, you may need to seek permission from your local council authority if you intend to plonk a huge flagpole in your front garden.
Due to high winds, flags may become torn or ripped. They should be replaced when this happens, as flying a soiled or damaged flag can be considered disrespectful.
Laying the Union Flag on a coffin
Placing a Union Flag on someone's coffin is considered a form of respect – especially for those who have given their lives for their country and this is something the Armed Forces do for their fallen comrades.
If you intend to drape the Union Flag upon a coffin, it should be placed so that the top left corner of the flag is over the deceased's left shoulder.
When should the Union Flag be flown at half-mast?
It should be flown at half-mast from the announcement of the death of the sovereign, up until the state funeral.
The correct way to raise a flag to half-mast is to fully raise the flag to the top of the pole, hold it there for a second, then lower the flag down to two-thirds of the way up the pole.
Remembrance and the Union Flag
Flags will usually be flown at half-mast during all Royal and national days of mourning, although Union Flags should be flown at full-mast on Remembrance Sunday.
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