The Union Flag (Union Jack), Explained

The Union Flag — popularly called the Union Jack — combines three older flags. The red cross of St George on a white background represents England. The white diagonal cross of St Andrew on a blue background represents Scotland. The red diagonal cross of St Patrick on a white background represents Northern Ireland (it was added in 1801 when Ireland joined the union).

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There is no Welsh element on the Union Flag because Wales had already been united with England by the time the flag was first designed in 1606. Wales has its own flag (the red dragon on a green and white field) which is widely flown but is not part of the Union Flag.

You may be asked which crosses make up the Union Flag, which one represents which nation, and whether Wales appears on it (it does not). The dates 1606, 1801 and 1707 are also worth remembering.

Test yourself on this topic

These questions from the official-format question bank cover the same material. Tap any question to see the correct answer and a short explanation.

1. The Union Flag consists of three crosses. One is St George's. Who do the other TWO crosses represent?
2. The Union Flag comprises the crosses of
3. On the official flag of the UK, The name of the diagonal white cross on a blue ground is the cross of
4. A new version of the official flag of the United Kingdom was created in 1801 it is often called ______
5. Which patron Saint has a white cross on a blue ground?
6. Who is the Patron Saint of Scotland?

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