Flags are flying at half-mast across the UK today, after news broke that the Queen has died.
Flags have been flying at half-mast across the UK today, after news broke that Queen Elizabeth II had died. This is a tradition that has been observed since 1952, when King George VI passed away. The monarch is meant to fly the flag at half-mast for 10 days following their death, with their funeral taking place on the tenth day. However, due to a “significant number of foreign leaders” attending the funeral and wanting to be able to attend other events while in London during this time period, Prime Minister Boris Johnson extended this period by an extra five days.
Here’s why flags are flying at half-mast across the UK today and what will happen over the next few days.
Why are flags flying at half-mast?
The Union Flag (also known as The Union Jack) is only flown from Buckingham Palace when Her Majesty The Queen is in residence or if she has died. This is why it was flown at half mast following her death on October 27th.
Why did they extend it?
The Prime Minister announced that he would extend this period of mourning by five days so that foreign leaders could attend both Her Majesty’s funeral and other events while in London during this time period. He made this announcement on October 27th.
What will happen over the next few days?
Flags will remain at half mast until November 5th and there will be no official entertainment for 10 days following her death.
