Why are the flags at full mast in the UK today?

FLAGS across the country fly at half mast as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Today, however, flags will be flying at full mast across the UK.

Why are the flags at full mast today?

There are a few occasions when flags are flown at half-mast.

Under British flag protocol, flags were to be flown at half-mast from the announcement of death until the sovereign’s burial.

Other occasions include the death or funeral of members of the royal family, the funeral of foreign rulers or prime ministers and former prime ministers of the United Kingdom.

Since Her Majesty’s death aged 96 in Balmoral on 8 September 2022, Union flags and official ensigns have been flown at half-mast at all royal residences.

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The only exception to half-mast, however, is Accession Council Day on September 10, 2022 – when His Majesty the King will be officially proclaimed.

The Union flag and all other official flags should be flown at full mast between 09:00 and 10:30 and remain at full mast until 13:00 the following day.

Will Buckingham Palace’s flags fly back to half-mast?

The Royal Standard flag is never flown at half-mast, even after the death of a monarch, as there is always a sovereign on the throne and it would therefore be inappropriate for it to fly at half-mast.

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However, Union flags at all royal residences will return to half-mast by 13:00 on 11 September 2022.

What does it mean when the flags are at half-mast?

Flying the flag at half-staff means that the flag is flown two-thirds of the way up the flagpole.

It is a sign of sorrow, respect or distress.

The Union flag has been flown at half-staff following the deaths of members of the royal family such as Prince Philip last year and at other times of national mourning such as the London terrorist attacks in 2005, the death of former US President Gerald Ford and other former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher.

The flag was also flown at half-mast after the Christchurch Mosque shootings in 2019 and the London Bridge stabbing in November this year.

Which buildings fly at half mast?

Flying the flag at half-staff is a sign of respect.

Along with Buckingham Palace, all government buildings in the UK follow the same protocol.

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