Fly your flags as normal

Wednesday 19 February 2020

With Prince Andrew stepping back from public life, there will be no recognition of his 60th birthday today in Guernsey.

Usually, the Union Flag would be flown to mark the birthday of a senior member of the Royal Family but in light of recent events that is not going to be happening today for the Queen's second eldest son.

Pictured: Bells will toll at Westminster Abbey to mark HRH Prince Andrew's birthday, as is normal for a senior member of the Royal Family. 

The Union Flag is flown from official buildings, including Sir Charles Frossard House and the Royal Court house, on certain days of the year, including birthdays of the most prominent members of the British Royal Family. The list is issued by UK officials and is followed locally, and in other Crown Dependencies.

Had the Duke of York's position not changed, then today the island would be marking his 60th birthday by flying the Union Flag, but following his decision to step back from public duties, in light of growing concerns over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, that will not be happening today.

Pictured: Prince Andrew stepped back from public life soon after his controversial interview with the BBC's Emily Maitlis was aired. 

The Bailiff has sent a message to those responsible for flying flags from States buildings and those high profile private sector sites who have previously asked to be informed of the periodic flag-flying instructions, to inform them of the decision for the Duke of York's birthday this year.

He said: "Following the decision by the Duke of York to step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, there is no longer a requirement to fly the Union Flag to mark his birthday on the 19^th February.  The Royal Court and States buildings will be flying the Guernsey flag."

The Guernsey flag is flown from The Royal Court and States buildings on a daily basis anyway, so effectively it is 'business as usual'. 

Elsewhere, plaques commemorating locations visited by The Duke of York have been removed. 

Two such plaques are known to exist in Guernsey - at Le Rondin School and Centre, and the Sixth Form Centre at Les Varendes. Both have been left up. 

Pictured top: Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is 60 today.