Across the nation, flags will be at half-mast following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Following the announcement of her death, The College of Arms issued official flag instructions. The instructions state flags must be lowered to half-mast as soon as possible. If a flag other than the Union flag is flown, these flags can be replaced by the Union flag at half-mast. It is also noted banners need to be taken care of properly. This means the flags are in clean, good condition, and the right way up.
On poles more than 45 degrees from the vertical, these flags cannot be flown at half-mast, and ultimately, they should not be flown at all. As for flags mounted on stands inside buildings, those also cannot be flown at half-mast. Although, they can be dressed with black mourning ribbons if one desires.
During the national mourning period, flags may be flown overnight but do need to remain at half-mast. Under UK government guidance, half-mast means the flag is flown a third of the way down the flagpole from the very top. Ultimately, this results in at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.
All official flags, including national flags of home nations, Crown Dependencies, and Overseas Territories, will be at half-mast until 08.00 the day after The Queen’s State Funeral. Ensigns and ship’s colours are also included under the “official flag” category.
As for the Royal Standard, it is never flown at half-mast, even after the death of a monarch. This is because there is always a sovereign on the throne, in this case, King Charles III. The Union flag will be flown half-mast at all royal residences.
