Flag of the British Virgin Islands

The national flag of the British Virgin Islands is a powerful and historically rich emblem that serves as a visual representation of the territory’s identity, heritage, and its enduring relationship with the United Kingdom. As a British Overseas Territory, its flag adheres to the traditional format of a Blue Ensign, a design that speaks to a shared legacy while incorporating unique local symbolism that is central to the islands' own story. This banner is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a declaration of both political allegiance and a unique cultural narrative shaped by centuries of history and legend.

Design and Symbolism: A Tale of History and Legend

The flag is designed on the classic Blue Ensign format, creating a balanced and symbolic composition. Its elements are rich in meaning, each telling a part of the islands’ story.

• The Blue Ensign: The flag’s primary field is a deep blue. In the upper canton (the top-left corner), the Union Jack is prominently displayed. The blue field is a traditional naval color, representing the sea and maritime heritage that is fundamental to island life. The Union Jack is a clear and direct symbol of the British Virgin Islands' constitutional status as a British Overseas Territory, signifying its political and historical ties to the United Kingdom.

• The Coat of Arms: The heart of the flag's design is the coat of arms, centered on the fly side (the right side of the flag). The coat of arms itself is a green shield featuring a female figure in a white dress, holding a single, lit gold oil lamp. She is surrounded by eleven other lamps.

  • Saint Ursula: The figure is Saint Ursula, the patron saint of the British Virgin Islands. The legend of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin companions, who were martyred together, is the origin of the islands’ name.

  • The Eleven Lamps: The eleven gold lamps surrounding Saint Ursula represent her companions. The collective image of Ursula and her eleven lamps on the shield is a visual nod to the name "Virgin Islands" that was bestowed upon the archipelago by Christopher Columbus in 1493, as the numerous islands reminded him of the multitude of martyred virgins.

• The Motto: Beneath the shield is a scroll with the Latin motto, "Vigilate", which translates to "Be Watchful" or "Be Vigilant". This motto serves as a powerful reminder for the people to remain vigilant, a trait essential for navigating both the sea and the challenges of life.

History and Creation: From Colony to Territory

The current flag of the British Virgin Islands was officially adopted on November 15, 1960, by a Royal Warrant. Before this date, the islands were part of the Leeward Islands colony and did not have their own distinct flag. The creation of a unique flag coincided with the islands becoming a separate British colony, marking a key moment in their political history. The coat of arms itself, however, has a longer history, with its design elements dating back to the early 19th century. A minor change was made to the flag in 1999, where a thin white outline was added to the coat of arms to make it stand out more clearly against the dark blue background.

Status and Adoption: Official Symbol of the Territory

This flag is the official flag of the British Virgin Islands and is used on land by the government and citizens. The governor of the territory also uses a flag that features the coat of arms on a Union Jack. For merchant ships registered in the British Virgin Islands, a Red Ensign with the coat of arms is used. Its official status ensures its prominent display at all government buildings, public events, and international forums where the territory is represented, cementing its role as the primary national symbol.

Size and Proportions

The flag of the British Virgin Islands follows the standard British flag proportion of 1:2, meaning its length is twice its width. This ratio is consistent with other British Ensigns, maintaining uniformity with flags across the Commonwealth. The coat of arms is carefully centered on the fly half of the flag, ensuring that it is clearly visible and balanced within the overall design.

Interesting Facts and Significance

The flag is a source of fascinating details that highlight its unique history.

• A Columbus Connection: The name "Virgin Islands" and the flag's symbolism are directly linked to Christopher Columbus's second voyage. Upon seeing the many islands and islets, he reportedly named them in honor of the legendary Saint Ursula and her 11,000 martyred companions.

• The Legend of Saint Ursula: The legend of Saint Ursula, a Christian princess from Britain, is a powerful historical narrative that has been a part of the islands' identity for centuries. The flag brings this ancient tale to life, making it a tangible part of the modern territory's identity.

• "Vigilate": A Timeless Motto: The motto on the flag, Vigilate, is a timeless message that is as relevant today as it was when the coat of arms was first designed. It encapsulates the resilience and cautious nature of an island people who are always aware of their environment, both natural and political.

Significance for Residents

For the people of the British Virgin Islands, the flag is a powerful emblem of their dual identity. It represents their pride in being a part of the British family of nations, as symbolized by the Union Jack, while also celebrating their distinct local culture, history, and patron saint, as embodied by the coat of arms. It is a unifying symbol that connects the past with the present, reminding them of their origins and the unique story that has shaped their home. The flag fosters a sense of belonging and community, serving as a cherished icon of their collective heritage and future.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.