Personal Flags

In 1960, The Queen adopted a personal flag to be flown on any building, ship, car or aircraft in which she was staying or travelling.

The Royal Standard represents not only the Sovereign but also the United Kingdom, whereas The Queen's own flag is personal to her alone and can be flown by no one other than The Queen.

The Queen's personal flag consists of the initial 'E' ensigned with the Royal crown, surrounded by a chaplet of roses.

The design is in gold (or yellow) on a blue field and the flag is fringed with gold (or yellow).

Since its introduction, the flag's use has been altered. Although it is not a 'Head of Commonwealth' flag, it has in effect become The Queen's personal Commonwealth flag. It is flown to mark her presence in non-monarchical Commonwealth countries and in realms that have not adopted a personal flag specifically for The Queen.

Some realms have adopted their own versions of the flag to be flown as a personal flag when The Queen is in their country, each one incorporating the country's arms with The Queen's personal design. The Queen's personal flag is also flown on a number of Commonwealth occasions in the United Kingdom.

In addition to his standard as Prince of Wales, the Prince has a personal flag exclusively for use in Wales. The flag is based on the Arms of the Principality of Wales, also known as the Arms of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, the last native Prince of Wales.

The flag was flown for the first time on June 11, 1969 - three weeks before The Prince's Investiture - at Castle Green, Cardiff, for the inauguration of the Royal Regiment of Wales, of which The Prince is Colonel-in-Chief.

During the Investiture ceremony on 1 July 1969, the Standard for Wales was flown from Caernarfon Castle's Eagle Tower.

The Prince of Wales also has a personal banner for his use in Scotland, based on his Scottish titles - Duke of Rothesay, Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland.

It consists of four quarterings. The first and third feature a blue and white chequered band across a gold background, representing the Great Steward of Scotland, whilst the second and fourth quarterings show a black galley on a white background, representing the Lord of the Isles. A small shield in the centre shows the lions rampant, representing the dukedom of Rothesay.

Other children of the Sovereign have flags which feature the Scottish version of the Royal Standard, bearing heraldic 'labels' or differences to distinguish each Royal individual.

Related content

A speech by His Majesty The King at the Conferral of City Status, Dunfermline

There could be no more fitting way to mark my beloved mother’s extraordinary life of service than by granting this honour

03 October 2022
Press release 28 September 2022

A Message from His Majesty The King regarding Storm Fiona

Read more
News

His Majesty The King's cypher

27 September 2022
Press release 18 September 2022

The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen

Read more
Press release 18 September 2022

The Committal Service of Her Majesty The Queen

Read more

A Message from His Majesty The King

Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.

18 September 2022

A statement from Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

You were our matriarch, our guide, our loving hand on our backs leading us through this world. You taught us so much and we will cherish those lessons and memories forever.

17 September 2022
News

Saturday 17 September

17 September 2022
Feature

The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

The Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II

The King's remarks to Faith Leaders

I am determined, as King, to preserve and promote those principles across all communities, and for all beliefs, with all my heart.

16 September 2022

A statement from The Earl of Wessex and Forfar

We have been overwhelmed by the tide of emotion that has engulfed us and the sheer number of people who have gone out of their way to express their own love, admiration and...

16 September 2022

His Majesty The King’s reply to the message of condolence at the Senedd

Through all the years of her reign, the land of Wales could not have been closer to my mother’s heart. Roedd lle arbennig i Gymru yn ei chalon.

16 September 2022
News

Thursday 15th September

15 September 2022

A statement from The Princess Royal

I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and...

13 September 2022

His Majesty The King’s reply to the message of condolence at Hillsborough Castle

During the years of my mother's reign, it has been a privilege to bear witness to such a devoted life.

13 September 2022

His Majesty The King's reply to the motion of Condolence at Scottish Parliament

I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother.

12 September 2022

His Majesty The King's reply to addresses of condolence at Westminster Hall

As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital Parliamentary traditions to which Members of...

12 September 2022
Press release 12 September 2022

Her Majesty The Queen's coffin will return to London

Read more
Press release 11 September 2022

TYWYSOG CYMRU YN SIARAD Â PHRIF WEINIDOG CYMRU

Read more
Press release 11 September 2022

The Prince of Wales speaks to the First Minister of Wales

Read more
Press release 10 September 2022

An update on His Majesty The King's Programme

Read more
Press release 10 September 2022

Arrangements for the Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen

Read more

A Statement from The Prince of Wales

And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.

10 September 2022
News

The King's Audiences

10 September 2022

The Principal Proclamation

Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to His Mercy our late Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, by whose Decease the Crown of the...

10 September 2022

His Majesty The King’s Oath relating to the security of the Church of Scotland

I, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of My other Realms and Territories, King, Defender of the Faith

10 September 2022