What flag is on the Queen’s coffin?
FOLLOWING the death of Queen Elizabeth, her coffin has been flown from Edinburgh to London draped in a specific flag that was close to Her Majesty's heart.
But what does the flag mean and what is it called? Here's everything you need to know about the Royal Standard.
What is the flag on top of the Queen's coffin?
The flag that has been draped over the Queen's coffin is called the Royal Standard.
The Royal Standard flag represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom and is flown when the monarch is in residence in one of the Royal Palaces.
In the version of the Standard used today, there are four quarterings: England, represented by three lions passant, in the first and fourth quarters; Scotland, a lion rampant, in the second; and Northern Ireland, shown by a harp, in the third quarter.
Wales is not represented in the Royal Standard, as its special position as a Principality was recognised by the creation of the Prince of Wales before the incorporation of the quarterings for Scotland and Ireland in the Royal Arms.
The standard is also flown on the monarch’s car on official journeys and his aircraft when grounded.
In Scotland a different version of the Royal Standard is used, with Scottish arms in the first and fourth quarters and English arms in the second.
How long will the Royal Standard flag remain on the Queen's coffin?
The Royal Standard flag will remain on the Queen's coffin until her burial.
Read More On The Queen's Death
When the coffin left Scotland it was draped with the Royal Banner of Scotland and during the flight was changed to the Royal Standard.
At Westminster Hall, the public will see the Queen's coffin covered in the Royal Standard flag along with the Imperial State Crown.
The Imperial Orb and Imperial Sceptre will also be on the coffin.
The Royal Standard flag will not be buried with the Queen.
Most read in The Sun
Why has the Union Flag not been used?
The Union Flag can be used by many public figures.
Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher's coffin was covered with a Union flag.
However, the Royal Standard flag represents a higher position, such as that of the Queen.
UK's chief vexillologist, Graham Bartram told : "Anybody can have the Union Flag on their coffin but only the Queen can have the Royal Standard.
"The Royal Standard is senior to the Union Flag."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Who can use the Royal Standard flag?
According to the Flag Institute, the Royal Standard can only be flown when the monarch is present, and after consultation with the Lord Chamberlain’s Department or the Royal person’s private secretary.
The flag is never hoisted when the monarch is passing in procession.
All you need to know after Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96
THE nation is in mourning after beloved Queen Elizabeth dies aged 96 - here is all you need to know about Her Majesty's glorious life and what's next.
- When is the Queen's funeral?
- What happens now the Queen has died?
- How old was the Queen when she died?
- What is the mourning period for the Queen?
- What is the new line of succession?
- Will there be a bank holiday on the day of the Queen's funeral?
- When can royal fans visit the Queen's coffin?
- Where will the Queen be buried?
- Why is 'London Bridge is down' the secret code?
- What is D-Day?
- Who are the Queen's grandchildren?