Guernsey Flag

The red St. George’s cross reflects Guernsey’s historical bond to England, while the gold cross was added to honor the connection with the Duchy of Normandy and William the Conqueror. The gold also represents the island’s independence, prosperity, and unique constitutional status within the British Crown dependencies.

Before 1985 Guernsey flew the plain St. George’s cross. That year, the Bailiff’s flag and banner of the Royal Court — featuring the gold Norman cross — inspired the new design. To create a distinct identity, the gold cross was added; the new flag was adopted on 1 February 1985 and has flown ever since as the official symbol of the island.

A white field bearing a central red St. George’s cross. Superimposed on this is a smaller gold cross with arms that do not extend to the flag’s edges. The design follows a 3:5 proportion, and the gold color is a light, warm yellow to differentiate it from red. The arrangement maintains clear separation and symmetry.

Guernsey’s flag is flown at government buildings, courts, schools, and during civic and cultural events. It may be displayed alongside the Union Jack but never on the same pole. Flags should be clean and undamaged, raised at sunrise, lowered at sunset, and flown at half-mast during mourning periods ­ such as Remembrance Sunday or the death of a sovereign, following established local convention.