Flag of the governor-general of Australia

Governor-General’s Flag
UseOther Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion1:2
Adopted1 July 2024; 5 months ago (2024-07-01)
DesignThe Royal Crest, comprising a Tudor Crown surmounted by a crowned lion, above a golden scroll inscribed with “The Commonwealth of Australia”
Governor-General’s Flag (1953-2024)
The governor-general’s flag during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, featuring St Edward’s Crown
UseOther Small vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flagSmall vexillological symbol or pictogram in black and white showing the different uses of the flag
Proportion1:2
Adopted1953
Relinquished2024

The flag of the governor-general of Australia is an official flag of Australia and is flown continuously on buildings and other locations when the governor-general of Australia is present.[1]

History

The flag of the governor-general affixed to a car

The flag has existed as three versions, the original flag used between 1902 and 1909 being a Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. In 1909, following the addition of a seventh point to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian Blue and Red Ensigns, the star was changed to a seven-pointed star.[2]

On 16 July 1936, the governor-general adopted a new flag for official use in Australia. The flag had a 1:2 ratio, it had a royal blue background and in the centre of the flag there is a Royal Crest (a crowned lion standing on a Tudor Crown) and the words "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" in dark blue letters on a gold scroll below the Crest. A similar design is used in most other Commonwealth realms.[3]

In 1953 the flag was modified again, replacing the Tudor Crown with St Edward's Crown.[citation needed] The flag was otherwise identical to that introduced in 1936. The 1936 version of the flag was again adopted on 1 July 2024 after the installation of Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.[4]

Usage

The flag is flown continuously wherever the governor-general is in residence and is also used as a car flag.

Historical versions

Flag Date Description
1902–1909 A Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
1909–1936 A Union Flag defaced with a seven pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown.
1936–1953 A lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field.
1953–2024 A lion statant guardant surmounted upon St Edward's Crown on a blue field.
2024–present Reverted back to a lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Governor-General's flag". Australian Flag Society. 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  2. ^ "Flag for the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia car flagpole and car badge, 1931". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Commonwealth of Australia Gazette" (PDF). No. 56. 16 July 1936. p. 1297.
  4. ^ "Australian Flags". Australian Government: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2024. See section "Royal and Vice-Regal flags": updated in 2024, although (as of 30 October 2024) not the booklet itself.
Bibliography