English Flags
The Union Jack above combines the flags of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland into a single composite flag.
The central red cross on a white background is the purely English element of the Union Jack.
This red cross is known as the cross of St.George
During the 1960s and 70's the cross of St. George was appropriated by far right racists and so it fell from general favour. It was not until the new millenium that ordinary people decided to take back the national flag from the hate mongers and return it to its rightful place as an inclusive symbol of national pride.
The monarch has a special flag which is flown when they are in residence. This flag is called the royal standard. It features the old tudor English royal standard (three lions) in both the top left and bottom right quadrants. It also features the red lion of Scotland in the top right corner and the golden harp representing Ireland in the bottom left.
The Royal Standard is never flown at half mast, even after the death of the monarch, as there is always a king or queen on the throne.
At Windsor Castle a great ceremonial Royal Standard is flown on very special occasions. This massive flag measures 38 feet across by 19 feet tall.
The royal coat of arms (above) is officially known as the "Arms of Dominion"
They feature the old-french Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks ill of it) which is the motto of the Order of the Garter
It also features "Dieu et mon droit" (God and my right)