Flag of England

Official Palette

• #FFFFFF
• #CE1124

Symbolism

A red cross on a white field is the emblem of Saint George, England's patron saint. George was a Roman soldier venerated across Europe; his cross became a crusading and military symbol before it was associated with the English crown and navy.

History

English crusaders used red crosses from the 12th century. Edward I's forces fought under Saint George's banner by the late 13th century. The cross became the national emblem of England and the basis of the Royal Navy's white ensign. In 1606 James VI and I combined it with the Scottish saltire to create the first Union Flag. The plain St George's Cross remains England's flag on land and a key component of the Union Jack at sea.

Construction

The flag has a 3:5 aspect ratio. A white field with a red cross throughout; the arms of the cross are of equal width.

Color Meanings

Did you know

England's St George's Cross is the oldest part of the Union Jack, but Wales has no symbol on the Union flag.

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

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Flag Protocol

• The flag of Saint George is widely used at sporting events and on churches dedicated to the saint
• At sea, the cross appears in the canton of the British white ensign; the plain cross alone is the flag of England on land
• Wales is not represented on the Union Jack; England, Scotland, and Ireland (Northern Ireland) are