15 APRIL 2006, Page 21

Flag up

From Malcolm Farrow

Sir: As every schoolboy, sadly, does not know, the Union Jack, our de facto (but not de jure) national flag, is 400 years old this week. On 12 April 1606 His Late Majesty King James I/VI signed the Royal Proclamation, which authorised the use of the combined English and Scottish flags. The only change that has taken place since then is the addition of the so-called St Patrick’s Cross on 1 January 1801.

It is curious that nobody seems to know this, but the government resolutely refuses to acknowledge the birthday of our flag one of the oldest and best-known national flags in the world.

Malcolm Farrow Petersfield, Hampshire