In Nice, on the night of Thursday 14 July 2016, at least 84 people were killed by a lorry driver deliberately crashing into the crowds on the Promenade des Anglais, where they were gathered to celebrate Bastille Day and watch a fireworks display. Following these tragic events, the French government has announced national mourning for the victims up to and including Monday 18 July.
In the UK you are free to fly the national flag at half-mast whenever you feel it is appropriate. You can also fly the French national flag at half-mast, but if you do so next to a UK national flag, then that flag must also be at half-mast, or be removed. Any other national flags should be removed, and all other flags in the same set must be at half-mast. If it is not physically possible to fly the flag at half-mast, for example it is on an angled pole projecting from the building, then you can add a black cravat or ribbon to the top of the flag, nearest the flag pole.
Full guidance on flying flags at half-mast can be found in our booklet “Flying Flags in the United Kingdom”, which can be downloaded free-of-charge from this website.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nice and the families and friends of those killed and injured in this horrible attack.
Graham Bartram
Chief Vexillologist
