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The official shade of the blue stripe on the French flag has experienced two significant adjustments in the modern era, oscillating between a historic dark navy and a lighter, brighter cobalt. Because the French Constitution does not explicitly specify exact color hex code - stating only that the emblem is the "blue, white, and red" tricolour—these adjustments have been implemented through presidential and administrative decisions rather than legislative reform.

Above the archers, men-at-arms, horses and mud of the battle at Agincourt flew another important part of the medieval battlefield: banners, standards and pennons.  Unlike the flags seen at Hastings nearly 350 years earlier, the flags carried in Henry V's time belonged to a world in which heraldry was firmly established. Colours, badges and coats of arms could identify not simply a country, but a king, nobleman, family or body of fighting men. On a battlefield crowded with thousands of people, they also performed the very practical job of showing soldiers where their leaders and comrades could be found.

On 21 October 1805, 27 British ships of the line sailed towards a combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar. What followed became one of the most famous naval battles in British history. Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory at Trafalgar secured British naval supremacy, but cost Nelson his life. It also produced perhaps the most famous flag signal in history: “England expects that every man will do his duty.”

Today is 16th September and Owain Glyndŵr Day (Diwrnod Owain Glyndŵr), a national celebration honouring the legendary leader who staged the final, most spectacular rebellion for Welsh independence. 

Inspired by legislative efforts in the USA, a debate is brewing in the UK about the origins of the Union flags flying across the UK in increasing numbers. If the US is pushing for its national emblem to be made entirely on American soil, should the UK follow suit and guarantee British-made flags for its public institutions?

There isn’t a blanket ban on private individuals owning or displaying flags in the UK, but certain restrictions apply under planning law and public order rules. Some flags are outright illegal to fly without special consent, while others are restricted to protect against misuse or offence

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