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How should the Union Flag be flown?
The correct way up for the Union Flag when flying is
with the broader diagonal white stripe at the top left
hand side of the flag nearest the flagpole :
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Correct flying for Union Flag |
Incorrect flying for Union Flag |
The Union Flag must always be flown in a 'superior'
position :
- On the highest flagpole
- On the centre flagpole where there is an odd
number of poles of the same height, or
- On the left centre flagpole viewed from the
front of the building, where there is an even number
of the same height.
What is half-mast and when should flags be flown at
half mast?
When flags are to be flown at half-mast they should
be two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the
flagstaff with at least the height of the flag between
the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.
When raising the flag it should always be hoisted
right up and then lowered back down to half-mast.
Likewise before it is lowered at sunset, it should first
be hoisted right up and then lowered back down.
Flags should be flown at half-mast on the following
occasions
- From the announcement of the death up to the
funeral of the Sovereign, except on Proclamation Day
(the Day of the announcement of the Accession of the
new Sovereign), when the flags are hoisted right up
from 11:00am to sunset,
- In the event of the death of a member of the
Royal Family, flags should be lowered from the day
of death to the day of the funeral, subject to
special commands from Her Majesty in each case,
- The funerals of foreign rulers, subject to
special commands from Her Majesty in each case,
- The funerals of Prime Ministers and ex-Prime
Ministers of the United Kingdom, subject to special
commands from Her Majesty in each case,
What Happens when flag flying days coincide with
days for flying flags at half-mast?
Flags should be flown right up :
- although a member of the Royal Family, or a near
relative of the Royal Family, may be lying dead,
unless special commands are received from Her
Majesty to the contrary, and
- although it may be the day of the funeral of a
foreign ruler.
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When should
Union flags be flown? 
