King Charles III and Queen Camilla participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, marking the conclusion of their US state visit. However, a significant error was spotted during the event: a Union flag was displayed upside down.
Flag Blunder at Arlington
As the King laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which honors unidentified American soldiers lost in war, American soldiers marched behind him carrying the Union flag incorrectly. Sky News US correspondent Mark Stone noted on X: "Rather a diplomatic gaffe by the Americans here. The Union flag is upside down at the Arlington Cemetery event."
Understanding the Union Flag Design
The Union flag's distinctive pattern results from combining the St Andrew's Cross and St Patrick's Cross, arranged so neither nation appears dominant. The diagonal stripes are deliberately offset, with the red saltire of Saint Patrick not sitting evenly on top of the white Scottish saltire. When flown correctly, the white stripe must be above the red in the top corner nearest the flagpole.
State Visit Highlights
Earlier, US President Donald Trump bid farewell to the royal couple at the White House, calling Charles "the greatest king in my book" and praising them as "great people." On Tuesday, Charles received a standing ovation after a 28-minute speech to Congress, focusing on international cooperation and support for Ukraine, emphasizing the UK-US special relationship.
Upcoming Travels
Following the state visit, King Charles will travel to Bermuda for his first royal visit as monarch to a British overseas territory before returning to the UK.
