Flag by Fasting Pamphlets

The Union Jack (officially also known as the Union Flag) is the national flag of the United Kingdom. [1, 2]

Design & Symbolism

The flag combines the emblems of three constituent nations of the United Kingdom: [1]

• St. George’s Cross (England): A red cross on a white background. [1, 2]

• St. Andrew’s Saltire (Scotland): A white diagonal cross (saltire) on a blue background. [1, 2]

• St. Patrick’s Saltire (Ireland): A red diagonal cross on a white background. [1, 2]

• Note: Wales is not represented explicitly because it had already been united and annexed with the Kingdom of England prior to the creation of the first union flag. [1, 2, 3]

History

• 1606: The first version was created following the Union of the Crowns under King James VI and I, combining the English and Scottish flags. [1, 2, 3]

• 1801: The current design was adopted following the Act of Union with Ireland, adding St. Patrick’s saltire. [1, 2, 3]

• Name Origin: Both "Union Flag" and "Union Jack" are officially valid. The term "Jack" historically refers to the small flag flown on the bowsprit of Royal Navy ships. [1, 2]