The flag of the governor-general of Australia is an official flag of Australia and is flown continuously on buildings and other locations when the governor-general of Australia is present.[1]
 | |
| Use | Other  |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 1 July 2024 |
| Design | The Royal Crest, comprising a Tudor Crown surmounted by a crowned lion, above a golden scroll inscribed with “The Commonwealth of Australia” |
.svg) The governor-general’s flag during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, featuring St Edward’s Crown | |
| Use | Other  |
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 1953 |
| Relinquished | 2024 |
History
edit
The flag has existed as three versions, the original flag used between 1902 and 1909 being a Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. In 1909, following the addition of a seventh point to the Commonwealth Star on the Australian Blue and Red Ensigns, the star was changed to a seven-pointed star.[2]
On 16 July 1936, the governor-general adopted a new flag for official use in Australia. The flag had a 1:2 ratio, it had a royal blue background and in the centre of the flag there is a Royal Crest (a crowned lion standing on a Tudor Crown) and the words "COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA" in dark blue letters on a gold scroll below the Crest. A similar design is used in most other Commonwealth realms.[3]
In 1953 the flag was modified again, replacing the Tudor Crown with St Edward's Crown.[citation needed] The flag was otherwise identical to that introduced in 1936. The 1936 version of the flag was again adopted on 1 July 2024 after the installation of Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.[4]
Usage
editThe flag is flown continuously wherever the governor-general is in residence and is also used as a car flag.
Historical versions
edit| Flag | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
.svg) |
1902–1909 | A Union Flag defaced with a six pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown. |
.svg) |
1909–1936 | A Union Flag defaced with a seven pointed star, crowned, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet. The crown used is the Tudor Crown. |
| |
1936–1953 | A lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field. |
| |
1953–2024 | A lion statant guardant surmounted upon St Edward's Crown on a blue field. |
| |
2024–present | Reverted back to a lion statant guardant surmounted on the Tudor Crown on a blue field. |
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ "Governor-General's flag". Australian Flag Society. 2016. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
- ^ "Flag for the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia car flagpole and car badge, 1931". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
- ^ "Commonwealth of Australia Gazette" (PDF). No. 56. 16 July 1936. p. 1297.
- ^ "Australian Flags". Australian Government: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 14 July 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2024. See section "Royal and Vice-Regal flags": updated in 2024, although (as of 30 October 2024) not the booklet itself.
- Bibliography
- Kwan, Elizabeth (1 May 2006). Flag and Nation: Australians and their National Flag Since 1901. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-1-7422-4687-1.