Are Union Flags flying at half-mast across UK? As netizens worry for Kate and Charles, here’s the truth

March 18, 2024

Some posts by X users have claimed that Union Flags are flying at half-mast outside Government Buildings across the UK. This quickly triggered an alarm, with many wondering if Kate Middleton is fine, days after her surgery. Her absence from the public eye has already prompted various conspiracy theories. Some also worried about King Charles III.

There was no confirmation about the same by the Royal Family. However, conspiracy theorists were quick to draw Charles and Kate connections.

However, many debunked the rumours. While some claimed the pictures were from Canada, others claimed they are from the time when Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022.

When does the American flag fly at half-mast?

The American flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast only when the country or a state is in mourning. Orders for flags to fly at half-staff can come from the president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia, according to the website of USA gov.

An American flag flying at half-staff marks one of the three following observances, according to the website: “The death of a government official, military member, or emergency first responder; a national tragedy; or a Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.”

Is Kate Middleton OK?

As rumours about Kate amid her heath crisis are going out of control, especially after her “edited” Mother’s Day photo row, the Princess of Wales’ friends told the U.K. Sunday Times that she is “devastated” by the furor. They also said that she is considering revealing details about her health following her abdominal surgery.

The palace announced Kate’s surgery in January. At the time, it also said that the princess hoped that personal information related to her health would remain private. “It’s not that they (Kate and William) didn’t think there would be lots of speculation and interest, but they had confidence that people would give them the space they asked for, which they did for about a month,” a friend said at the time.