The British Flag

The British flag, commonly known as the Union Jack, is the national flag of the United Kingdom.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful and historic flag.

Meaning of the United Kingdom Flag

A common belief is that the flag is only called the ‘Union Jack’ when flown on a ship, and should be called the ‘Union Flag’ on land. However, this is a myth. In 1908, Parliament confirmed that ‘Union Jack’ is a perfectly acceptable name for the flag, whether it is flown on land or at sea.

The Union Jack is a combination of three heraldic crosses, representing the constituent countries of the United Kingdom:

1. England: The red Cross of St. George on a white background.
2. Scotland: The diagonal white Cross of St. Andrew on a blue background (Saltire).
3. Ireland (representing Northern Ireland): The diagonal red Cross of St. Patrick on a white background.

Originally, the design symbolized the political union and cooperation between these three kingdoms.

History of the British Flag

The history of the flag begins with the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England. He wanted a new flag to represent the regal union between England and Scotland.

On 12 April 1606, a royal decree established the first version of the flag. It combined the red cross of England with the white saltire of Scotland. This design was officially adopted for use on land after the Acts of Union were signed in 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The current design of the Union Flag was introduced on January 1, 1801, following the Act of Union with Ireland. The red saltire of St. Patrick was added to the design to represent Ireland, creating the flag we recognize today.

Note: You may sometimes see a specific variation of the flag featuring a lion on crossed blades. This is the British Army Non-Ceremonial Flag (adopted in 1938), not the standard national flag.

What Does the British Flag Symbolize?

The British flag symbolizes the administrative and political union of the countries within the United Kingdom. It visually blends the patron saints’ crosses of three nations:

• St. George: Patron Saint of England
• St. Andrew: Patron Saint of Scotland
• St. Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

Status of the British Flag in the UK

Surprisingly, the Union Jack has no official legal status as the national flag through an Act of Parliament. Instead, it has become the national flag through centuries of custom and practice.

While there are no civil penalties for incorrectly flying the flag in Great Britain, Northern Ireland has specific regulations (The Flags Regulations) regarding when and how the flag is flown on government buildings.

Unlike the United States, there is no strictly codified “official” way to fold the Union Flag. However, the Royal Navy and ceremonial units use a specific method that typically involves folding the flag linearly until it is a compact rectangle, with the hoist (the part that attaches to the pole) on the outside.

Flying the British Flag Upside Down

It is possible to fly the Union Jack upside down, and doing so is often considered disrespectful or a sign of ignorance. However, historically, flying the flag upside down was used as a maritime distress signal.

To ensure the flag is the right way up, look at the top corner closest to the flagpole (the hoist). The broad white diagonal stripe should be above the red diagonal stripe.

What is the Difference Between the Union Jack and the British Flag?

There is no difference; they are the same flag. It is called the Union Jack because it unites the crosses of the countries under one Sovereign: the Kingdom of England (which historically included Wales), the Kingdom of Scotland, and the Kingdom of Ireland.