Flag

There three British ensigns (ensigns are national flags flown on a vessel to indicate citizenry) the White Ensign, Blue Ensign and Red Ensign.

White Ensign

Blue Ensign

Red Ensign

The use of the White Ensign is restricted to ships, boats, submarines and on-shore establishments of the Royal Navy.

The Royal Yacht Squadron also fly the white ensign by special dispensation.

The Blue Ensign is flown by ships in public/goverment service, by ships commanded by an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Research Ships by warrant or by British-registered yachts belonging to members of the certain yacht clubs.

The Red Ensign is the civil ensign or merchant ensign of the United Kingdom.

It is the only legally allowed flag flown by British merchant or passenger ships and has been in use since 1707.

At the begining of a meeting the Red Ensign is hoisted with dignity, as you never break an ensign (a flag is said to be broken when it is allowed to break free at the top of a flagpole after having been furled and hoisted to the top of the pole).

At the end of the the evening the Red Ensign is lowered.