It is usual for the Union Flag to be flown on the flagpole to the observer's left. If only one flag is to be flown and there are two flagpoles It is usual for the Union Flag to be flown on the outermost pole when the flagpoles are situated to the left of the main entrance and on the innermost pole when the flagpoles are to the right of the main entrance. Where there are two or more flagpoles on the forecourt of a building but at an angle to the main entrance The remaining flags then appear in order of precedence from left to right. It is usual for the Union Flag to be the first flag on the left of an observer facing the main entrance of the building. Where there are two or more flagpoles parallel to the building line It is usual for the Union Flag to be flown in a superior position: The Welsh Assembly Commission has published a protocol for the flying of flags at the National Assembly decisions about the flying of flags on Welsh Government buildings are the responsibility of the First Minister.Ī. The flying of flags on Government buildings in Scotland is a devolved matter - for details of the current guidance see here. The flying of flags on Government buildings in Northern Ireland is regulated by the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 as amended by the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) 2002 and the Flags (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. Those wishing to fly the Union Flag on the designated fixed flag flying days should only fly it from 8am until sunset. The Union Flag may be flown on UK Government buildings all year round. Any individual can fly the Union Flag at any time. Local government bodies are permitted to fly the Union Flag at half-mast to mark local as well as national commemorations or losses.Ī. The College of Arms will publish details of half-masting instructions for the information of local and national government and any other interested bodies or individuals. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will inform Government departments of any other occasions when Her Majesty has given a special command. the funerals of First Ministers and ex-First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (unless otherwise commanded by the Sovereign, this only applies to flags in their respective countries).the funerals of Prime Ministers and ex-Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom.the death of a member or near relative of the Royal Family or the funeral of members of the Royal Family.In the following cases, half-mastings will be by special command from Her Majesty: from the announcement of the death of the Sovereign until the funeral.Occasions on which the Union Flag is to be flown at half-mast: When should the Union Flag be flown at half-mast?Ī. Flags of foreign nations should not be flown unless their country is also observing mourning. If more than one flag is flown, they should all be raised at half-mast or not flown at all. Half-mast means the flag is flown two-thirds of the way up the flagpole with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flag pole. The wider diagonal white stripe should be above the red diagonal stripe at the top left hand side of the Flag nearest the flag pole.Ī. This is with the wider diagonal white stripe above the red diagonal stripe in the half nearest to the flag pole. The Union Flag must be flown the correct way up. Garter King of Arms, under the authority of the Earl Marshal, has approved two versions of the Union flag for guidance. What is the correct form of the Union Flag?Ī. Those with questions about flag protocol which are not addressed below should contact the Officer in Waiting.