The flying of flags is a practice that enables the College to show its respect for individuals, customs, and values. Historically, Queen’s has flown the College flag, bearing its coat of arms, and the Union Flag, the national flag of the UK, on the specific occasions outlined below. More recently, the College has chosen to fly the Progress Pride Flag to publicly affirm its commitment to equality and diversity.
The College has three flags: the College Flag bearing its coat of arms, the Union Flag, and the Intersex-inclusive version of the Progress Pride Flag.
The College Flag is flown on the occasion of the Needle and Thread Gaudy, the Easter Day Gaudy, the Fettiplace Gaudy, King Charles’ Official Birthday (date TBC), Encaenia, the Founder’s Day Gaudy, the Old Members’ Dinner, the Jubilee Matriculation Gaudy Lunch, the All Saints Day Gaudy and the Boar’s Head Gaudy, and each 8 September (King Charles’ Accession), 14 November (King Charles’ Birthday), and 6 May (Coronation).
The College Flag is flown at half-mast on the occasion of the death of a current or former Provost, of a current Official, Emeritus, Honorary, Supernumerary, or Research Fellow, of a former Official Fellow, and of a current junior member (whether undergraduate or postgraduate).
The College Flag can be flown on other occasions at the absolute discretion of the Provost.
The Union Flag is flown in addition to the College Flag on the occasion of King Charles’ Official Birthday (date TBC) and each 8 September (King Charles’ Accession), 14 November (King Charles’ Birthday), and 6 May (Coronation).
The Intersex-inclusive version of the Progress Pride Flag is flown during February (LGBT+ History Month) and June (LGBT Pride Month). Should there be occasions on which the Union Flag or the College Flag needs to be flown in February or June in accordance with the Bylaws or relevant Governing Body Orders, or any flag lowered or displayed in a lowered position, they will take precedence.
