Before the conquest, Wales consisted of principalities rather than kingdoms, hence why in the modern day, the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom is always given the title of Prince of Wales. Therefore, while the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are joined, the Principality of Wales is officially a part of the Kingdom of England. Following this same reasoning, Wales has no representation on the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom.
Scotland is represented with a dominant yellow background with a rampant red lion, while Northern Ireland is represented by the Irish harp, otherwise known as the Gaelic harp, Celtic harp, or Clarsach, due to the fact that the harp is the national symbol of the island of Ireland, although that is commonly believed to be the shamrock.
The same corner used to represent England is used again in another corner on the flag, to represent Wales as a part of the Kingdom of England. These inclusions and representations are based upon centuries-old perspectives of Kingdoms and Principalities and explain why there are no formal symbols of Wales in the Union Flag. However as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, all four home nations are included in a union of equals, brothers in arms.
The proud and ancient battle standard of the Welsh is The Red Dragon Y Ddraig Goch and consists of a red dragon, passant standing with one foot raised , on a green and white background. Up to a point, Lord Copper. When King James of Scotland first came to the English throne in , ships had to fly both flags, and this inevitably caused friction as one flag had to be flown above the other, which traditionally indicated victory over a vanquished foe.
As the laws of heraldry do not allow each element to have equal prominence. It might look as though placing the cross of St George over that of St Andrew suggests that Scotland is inferior to England, but the canton the upper quarter nearest the flagpole, usually the upper left is the most prestigious part of a flag — and this is occupied by the cross of St Andrew.
Notwithstanding this, an alternative design has frequently been used in Scotland that also lays the saltire over the St George Cross. This amalgamation might appear to have overlooked Wales, but the cross of St George at this stage represented both the kingdom of England and the principality of Wales.
In , the Act of Union with Ireland necessitated a new element. In hagiography, St Patrick has no cross having not been crucified ; but the twelfth-century royal house of Ireland the FitzGeralds occasionally used the insignia of a red saltire, which has been associated with Ireland since the sixteenth century. It was also more pragmatic to incorporate another cross than adding, say, a harp. Moreover it was in the same colours and style as the existing flag.
And so this element was woven into the design. A brief history of the English language. Learn more. What are the best apps for learning English? View our Cookie Policy. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website.
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