Following the very sad news of the death of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, flags will be flown at half-mast from now until, and including, the day of the funeral, unless Her Majesty The Queen issues special commands.
The funeral arrangements will be announced by Buckingham Palace and published on the Royal website.
Half-mast means flying the flag 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 flagpole.
Flags cannot be flown at half-mast on poles over 45° from the vertical. Instead attach a black ribbon to the top corner of the flag nearest the hoist as an alternative mark of mourning.
When flying a flag at half-mast, first raise it to the top of the flagpole, hold it there for a second, then lower it to the correct position.
To lower a flag from half-mast, raise it again to the top of the flagpole, hold it there for a second, then lower it in full.
If flying a British national flag at half-mast on a stand of flagpoles, ensure that all other flags are also at half-mast or do not fly them.
Do not fly the flag of any other nation, unless that nation is also observing mourning – e.g. where Her Majesty The Queen is head of state.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with Her Majesty and her family at this sad and difficult time.
Graham Bartram, Chief Vexillologist, The Flag Institute
