Why are flags at full mast today in the UK? | The Sun

Posted on : September 10, 2022

FLAGS across the country are flying at half-mast as a sign of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

However, today flags will fly at full-mast across the UK.

Why are flags at full mast today?

There are a few occasions when flags are hoisted to half-mast.

According to the British flag protocol, flags should be flown at half-mast from the announcement of the death until the funeral of the Sovereign.

Other occasions include the death or funerals of members of the Royal family, the funerals of foreign rulers, or prime ministers and former primer ministers of the UK.

Since Her Majesty, 96, passed away at Balmoral on September 8, 2022, Union flags and official flags have been half-masted at all Royal Residences.

However, the only exception to half-masting is on the day of the Accession Council on September 10, 2022 – when His Majesty The King is formally proclaimed.

The Union Flag and all other official flags should be raised to full mast between the hours of 09:00 and 10:30 and remain at full mast until 13:00 the following day.

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Will the Buckingham Palace flags return 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.

However, the Union Flags at all Royal Residences will return tohalf mast until 13:00 on September 11, 2022.

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

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

It is a sign of mourning, respect or distress.

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The Union flag has flown at half mast after the deaths of members of the Royal family, such as Prince Philip last year and at other times of national mourning such as the terrorist bombings in London in 2005, the deaths of former U.S. President Gerald Ford and former Prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

The flag has flown at half-mast also after the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019 and the London Bridge stabbing on November that year.

Which buildings fly flags at half-mast?

Flying the flags at half-mast is a mark of respect.

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

All you need to know after Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96

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