The correct way up for the Union Flag when flying is with the broader diagonal white stripe at the top left hand side of the flag nearest the flagpole 

The Union Flag must always be flown in a 'superior' position :

• On the highest flagpole
• On the centre flagpole where there is an odd number of poles of the same height, or
• On the left centre flagpole viewed from the front of the building, where there is an even number of the same height.

What is half-mast and when should flags be flown at half mast?

When flags are to be flown at half-mast they should be two-thirds up between the top and bottom of the flagstaff with at least the height of the flag between the top of the flag and the top of the flagpole.

When raising the flag it should always be hoisted right up and then lowered back down to half-mast. Likewise before it is lowered at sunset, it should first be hoisted right up and then lowered back down.

Flags should be flown at half-mast on the following occasions

• From the announcement of the death up to the funeral of the Sovereign, except on Proclamation Day (the Day of the announcement of the Accession of the new Sovereign), when the flags are hoisted right up from 11:00am to sunset,
• In the event of the death of a member of the Royal Family, flags should be lowered from the day of death to the day of the funeral, subject to special commands from Her Majesty in each case,
• The funerals of foreign rulers, subject to special commands from Her Majesty in each case,
• The funerals of Prime Ministers and ex-Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, subject to special commands from Her Majesty in each case,
• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will inform of any other occasions where Her Majesty has given a special command.

What Happens when flag flying days coincide with days for flying flags at half-mast?

Flags should be flown right up :

• although a member of the Royal Family, or a near relative of the Royal Family, may be lying dead, unless special commands are received from Her Majesty to the contrary, and
• although it may be the day of the funeral of a foreign ruler.
  

Union Flag flying days :

• January :
  • 27 January : Holocaust Day
• February :
  • 6 February : Her Majesty’s Accession
  • 19 February : Birthday of The Duke of York
• March :
  • 10 March : Birthday - Earl of Wessex
  • Second Monday in March : Commonwealth Day
• April :
  • 21 April : Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen
  • 23 April : St George's Day
• May :
  • 9 May : Europe Day
• June :
  • 2 June : Coronation Day
  • 10 June : Birthday of The Duke of Edinburgh
  • June : Official Celebration of Her Majesty’s Birthday
• August :
  • 15 August : Birthday of The Princess Royal
• October :
  • 21 October : Trafalgar Day
  • October : United Nations Day
• November :
  • 11 November : Remembrance Day
  • Second Sunday in November : Remembrance Sunday
  • 14 November : Birthday of The Prince of Wales
  • 20 November : Her Majesty’s Wedding Day
     
• Other special days at Her Majesty's command

Taking Care of your Flag:

A question we are asked frequently is “How long will my flag last” and we admit we cannot honestly answer with any specific time period but we do know that the life of your flag can be extended by following these simple rules:

Do take your flag down each night – quite apart from etiquette, leaving your flag up overnight leaves it open to atmospheric pollution and adverse weather conditions, which, without question reduces the lifespan of the flag. In severe weather conditions it is advisable to fly a STORM flag which is smaller and less vulnerable to strong winds.

Do fit Anti-Fray Netting – this is an additional and inexpensive strip of material that slows down the whipping process of the wind and prevents tearing – thus prolonging the life of the flag.

Never fold the flag when wet or damp – mildew breeds in these conditions. Always ensure the flag is completely dry before attempting to fold or store away.

Do wash your flag regularly – we recommend that you wash your flag once every 14 – 21 days in a mild solution of non-bio detergent. This removes atmospheric pollution and soiling before it becomes ingrained into the material. Dry the flag naturally and fold or store ONLY when completely dry.

DO NOT DRYCLEAN