Flags are flown at half-mast (or half-staff) as a symbol of mourning, respect, or distress.

The tradition dates back centuries and is used worldwide. Here are the main reasons why:

Mourning and remembrance

·       To honour the death of a monarch, head of state, or other significant national/public figures.

·       On days of national tragedy (terrorist attacks, natural disasters, war casualties).

·       For funerals of service members, government officials, or notable citizens.

Respect and tribute

·       To show solidarity with victims of tragedies, both at home and abroad.

·       To mark anniversaries of important events where lives were lost (Remembrance Day).

Symbolism

·       Lowering a flag represents a nation or community ‘bowing its head’ in respect.

·       In some traditions, the space left above the lowered flag is considered to make room for an ‘invisible flag of death’ flying above it.

Distress Signal (less common today)

·       Historically, ships sometimes flew flags at half-mast to signal distress or loss on board.

·       In the UK, instructions for half-masting are issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

The main rules and customs for flying a flag at half-mast (sometimes called half-staff)

UK practice

Position
The flag is lowered so that the top of the flag is at least one flag’s depth below the top of the pole. (This means it’s not exactly halfway down, but with space left at the top).

Occasions

On the death of the Sovereign, members of the Royal Family, or leading national figures.

On instructions from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for state occasions or tragedies.

For remembrance events such as Remembrance Sunday (second Sunday in November).

Exceptions

On the day of the Accession of a new monarch, flags are returned to full-mast after proclamation.

Certain flags (e.g. the Royal Standard) are never flown at half-mast.

General principles

Respectful movement

Always raise to the top first, then lower; reverse at the end.

Duration

Often from the announcement of death until sunset on the funeral day, unless otherwise directed.

Multiple flags

If more than one flag is flown, all should be at half-mast or none at all (to avoid showing disrespect).

The exact details can vary slightly depending on the country’s protocol, but the core symbolism is universal: lowering the flag honours the dead and signals collective mourning.

A step-by-step instruction sheet for correctly half-masting a flag

Preparation

·       Ensure the flag is clean, in good condition, and properly attached to the halyard (rope).

·       Check whether the half-masting has been officially ordered (government notice, memorial day, funeral, etc.).

Raising the Flag

Start of the day

·       Raise the flag briskly to the top of the pole - this honours the flag and shows it is not being raised under distress.

·       Lower to half-mast - slowly lower the flag so the top of the flag rests one flag-width below the top of the pole.

·       This means the flag is not exactly halfway down, but leaving a clear gap at the top.

During the Day

·       Leave the flag at half-mast for the full period ordered.

·       If more than one flag is flying on separate poles, all should be at half-mast.

·       If on the same pole with another flag (e.g., national + organisation flag), only the national flag is half-masted, and it remains above all others.

Lowering the Flag

Before sunset (or designated end of mourning period):

·       First raise the flag briskly back to the top of the pole.

·       Then lower it slowly and respectfully to the ground.

·       Fold and store the flag neatly.

Special Notes

Royal Standard (UK) - never flown at half-mast, even on the death of the monarch.

Ships at sea - Naval vessels also half-mast their ensigns in mourning, following the same principle.