Is Buckingham Palace flying flags at half-mast? What does it mean?

You may have woken up today, or popped onto social media for a quick break at work, and seen reports about the flag on Buckingham Palace, as well as other prominent locations across the United Kingdom being flown at half-mast. Allow me to assure you that this is not the case.

What does flags at half-mast mean?

OK, so they’re not today, but what would it mean if they were? Well, flags flying at half-mast often bear poignant significance, symbolising collective grief, mourning, or respect. This practice traces its origins to naval traditions, where lowering a flag indicated a vessel’s intention to communicate or mourn. Over time, it evolved into a universal symbol of mourning and respect.

Flags are lowered halfway down the flagpole to honour significant events such as the passing of a national leader, tragic incidents, or commemorations of solemn occasions. This gesture serves as a visible expression of solidarity and remembrance within a community or nation. Whether it’s in times of tragedy or solemn remembrance, the sight of flags at half-mast reflects a shared sense of loss and reverence.

What’s going on with the Princess of Wales?

So, you ask, why would this be relevant in today’s murmurings across the internet? Well, no doubt you’ve heard that the British Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has been getting a lot of attention recently.

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First it was announced by Kensington Palace that she was going into hospital for abdominal surgery and there was an acceptance that she would need time to recover thereafter. Talk was that she’d be back to her duties by Easter. But then came that photo, and speculation – as well as conspiracy theories – went into overdrive.

On Monday there were unconfirmed but credible reports in the UK suggesting that Kate was planning to address the ongoing speculation surrounding her health at a public engagement. Digital tongues wagged even more, and the half-mast flag talk was gobbled up by those convinced that there is more going on than meets the eye, especially with King Charles’ cancer diagnosis making the news last month.