The Queen arrives at HMS Ark Royal

The Queen arrives alongside HMS Ark Royal at Portsmouth Navy Base, to celebrate the ship's 25th anniversary.

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People & Blogs

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• VID00021

[NomNomElite]

HAPPY TO BE BRITISH

[jeremytravers1]

@nodemas That is not the British flag - it is the Queen's Colour. In the UK and Commonwealth countries, the Colour is dipped during a Royal Salute and thus touches the ground.

[ecoomber]

@nodemas

It is British/Commonwealth custom to dip the colours (and allow them to touch the ground) for a Royal Salute for the Queen and other specific vice-regal personages. In all other circumstances, the colours are saluted by members of the forces, but in this case the Queen is being saluted with the colours by having them dipped. In all other circumstances it is considered disrespectful for the colours (or a flag) to touch the ground.

I can understand how this is shocking to some.

[Athanasioos]

When it rains don't simple British people get wet or rained upon?The Queen is not a prime minister,or a president.Monarchy has nothing to do with Democracy.She is the Sovereign,the head of the state.The British national anthem is "God Save The Queen"not "God Save England".In the presence and before the Queen, Her loyal subjects must bow down[the entire United Kingdom that is]even if it's raining...and by the way,the lower the flag goes before H.R.H,the more honour and glory to be given.

[LordPinbarren]

@nodemas

Hi, I am an Australian and have commanded several Colour Guards, in Australia we never let any of our flags touch the ground, however a guard performing infront of the Royal Head of State are required to touch the ground (reguardless if its raining) to show that the service is still loyal to the Crown. but in saying that i am navy (i cant speak for the army or air force).

[wank0r]

@nodemas i served in the royal navy and we were also told NEVER to let the white ensign touch the ground. same with the union jack actually. im not sure what was going on in this video

[Augie1945]

@nodemas

i agree! im in Air force JROTC, and the commander of the cadet color guard team. you never let the flag touch the ground. it made me cringe just seeing it in this video.

[nodemas]

I am one who believes that homage should be paid to anyone who is identified as the leader of their country. However, it is disappointing to watch the British flag be dipped far enough so as to actually lie on the ground, as well as being lowered into the wet area on the ground. In America the flag is dipped, but never hits the ground. NEVER. At one time, I was the officer commanding a color guard unit, and we all knew our flag never went to the ground.