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Queen's Personal New Zealand Flag facts for kids

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Royal Standard of New Zealand
The Queen's Personal New Zealand Flag

This special flag was used by Queen Elizabeth II when she was in New Zealand. It was her own personal flag for New Zealand, approved in 1962. The Queen's representative in New Zealand, the Governor-General of New Zealand, has their own flag.

Why the Flag Was Created

On October 11, 1962, Queen Elizabeth II announced this new flag. She planned to use it during her visit to New Zealand. This visit happened from February 6 to 18, 1963. The flag was then used for all her future visits too.

What the Flag Looks Like

Coat of arms of New Zealand
The main shield from the coat of arms of New Zealand is the basis for the flag.

The Queen's personal flag for New Zealand looks like a special picture. It is based on the New Zealand coat of arms. This is like the country's official symbol.

The flag is divided into four main parts, called quadrants:

  • The first part shows four stars. These stars represent the Southern Cross constellation. You can also see these stars on the national flag of New Zealand.
  • The second part has a golden fleece on a red background. A fleece is the wool from a sheep.
  • The third part shows a golden wheat sheaf on a red background. A sheaf is a bundle of cut wheat.
  • The last part has two crossed golden hammers on a blue background.

In the middle of the flag, there is a special blue circle. This circle has a gold letter 'E' with a crown above it. Golden roses surround the 'E'. This 'E' stands for Elizabeth. This blue circle is also found on the Queen's Personal Flag. That flag is used when she acts as Head of the Commonwealth.

When and Where the Flag Is Used

This flag is flown whenever the Queen is staying in a building in New Zealand. It is also flown on any ship that carries the Queen in New Zealand waters.

When the Queen attends an official event, her flag is flown. You can see it above the main spot at military parades. It is also raised when she steps onto a New Zealand Navy ship.

If the Queen's Personal Flag for New Zealand is flown with the New Zealand Flag, her flag always gets the most important spot. The only time this flag is flown when the Queen is not there is during parades for her Official Birthday.

Images for kids

  • Coronation Standard of New Zealand

    Coronation standard to represent New Zealand

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