In the 16th century the flag was known as the The name ‘Union’ first appeared in 1625. An upside-down Union Flag is used as a sign of distress.

Exact matches only For much of its history, Wales has been considered a part of England, rather than a country in its own right.

Search in content As you may or may not know our flag has evolved as the different countries that now make up to United Kingdom came under the rule of England.

A Brief History.

After James I succeeded to the throne, it was combined with the cross of St Andrew in 1606.The cross saltire of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, is a diagonal white cross on a blue ground.The cross saltire of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, is a diagonal red cross on a white ground.This was combined with the previous Union Flag of St George and St Andrew, after the Act of Union of Ireland with England (and Wales) and Scotland on 1 January 1801, to create the Union Flag that has been flown ever since.It is today flown above Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Sandringham when The Queen is not in residence.The Royal Arms of Scotland (Lion Rampant) is flown at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Balmoral when The Queen is not in residence.On news of a Royal death, the Union Flag (or the Royal Arms of Scotland (Lion Rampant) where appropriate) is flown at half-mast.The Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast, as the Sovereign never dies (the new monarch immediately succeeds his or her predecessor).The flying of the Union Flag on public buildings is decided by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport at The Queen's command.The Union Flag is flown on Government buildings on days marking the birthdays of members of the Royal Family, Commonwealth Day, Coronation Day, The Queen's official birthday, Remembrance Day and on the days of the State Opening and prorogation of Parliament.The term 'Union Jack' possibly dates from Queen Anne's time (r. 1702-14), but its origin is uncertain.It may come from the 'jack-et' of the English or Scottish soldiers, or from the name of James I who originated the first union in 1603.Another alternative is that the name may be derived from a proclamation by Charles II that the Union Flag should be flown only by ships of the Royal Navy as a jack, a small flag at the bowsprit; the term 'jack' once meant small.70 'Did you know?'

From the bottom of my heart I thank my Peoples for all they have done, not only for themselves but for mankind.May the memory of their sacrifice and bravery remain with us always.As Patron of the British Red Cross I send my warmest congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Society of the occasion of its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.Right now, there is a real chance to ensure that the urgent steps that the world must take to prevent future zoonotic disease pandemics are designed in a way that also helps to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade.Today provides an opportunity for thanks, and a recognition of the dedication and risks faced by those serving our nation. At the same time the British flag was referred to as the ‘Union flag’ on land. The first version of the flag was created in 1606, featuring only the English and Scottish flags. The Flag of St David is not represented on the Union Flag as the "Union" is that of, first, England and Scotland and later on, England, Scotland and Ireland. N.B: Please note, all my articles are best read on desktops and laptops. Search in title Whereas the flag is popularly known as the Union Jack, the official name is Union Flag, unless it is used at sea. It is so called because it combines the crosses of the three countries united under one Sovereign - the kingdoms of England and Wales, of Scotland and of Ireland (although since 1921 only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom). About 1542 Wales was annexed as a Principality to England. A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the British Red Cross A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at a virtual meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces A message from Her Majesty The Queen on Armed Forces Day A statement by The Countess of Wessex at the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict virtual UN event A message from Her Majesty The Queen to the British Chambers of Commerce The Queen's message to healthcare professionals on World Health Day

Let local realities guide global responses.As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world.The dedication to service of countless nurses, midwives and other health workers, in these most challenging of circumstances, is an example to us all.A message from Her Majesty The Queen on the 75th anniversary of VJ day A message of condolence from Her Majesty The Queen to the President of the Republic of Lebanon A message of condolence from The Countess of Wessex to the President of the Republic of Lebanon.

And if you’re wondering why the Welsh flag was never incorporated into the Union Jack, it is because it was already a principality of England by 1801.In Wales you may see two flags flying including the yellow And finally: Make sure you hang the flag up the right way.