Flag of Jersey
A red saltire on white. In the upper part, a yellow Plantagenet crown sits above a red shield bearing three gold leopards.
What the flag means
The origin of the saltire is unknown. One account says it marked the Channel Islands' neutrality in wars between England and France. The three leopards are the island's heraldic badge.
History
A plain red saltire had been used unofficially since at least the 1830s. Debate over a new flag began in 1977, the year of the Silver Jubilee, because the old one was easily confused with St Patrick's Cross. The States of Jersey adopted the present design on 12 June 1979. Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed it on 10 December 1980, and it was first officially raised on 7 April 1981.
The old plain saltire is still flown at re-enactments on Liberation Day, 9 May.
Earlier flags of Jersey
- 1830s–1981Plain red saltire on white, used unofficially
Sources
- Wikipedia: Flag of Jersey
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Read how we research flags in our editorial policy, or report a mistake.
