The Flag of The British Virgin Islands
The flag of the British Virgin Islands features a deep blue field with the Union Jack in the upper hoist-side quadrant, symbolizing the islands' ties to the United Kingdom. On the fly side, there is a coat of arms that depicts a green Saint Ursula framed by twelve oil lamps, representing the Saint and her 11,000 virgins for whom the islands are named. The shield is held by two white doves, symbolizing peace, and below the shield is a scroll with the Latin motto, 'Vigilate' (Be Vigilant).
History of The Flag of The British Virgin Islands
The flag of the British Virgin Islands was adopted on November 15, 1960. Prior to this, the islands used the British Blue Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton for official shipping registration and other colonial affairs. The introduction of the specific flag for the British Virgin Islands was part of a wider move by British overseas territories to establish their own identity while maintaining a connection to the United Kingdom. The coat of arms, which was granted in 1960, is a central part of the flag's design, embodying both the historical and cultural heritage of the islands. The flag has not undergone significant changes since its adoption, symbolizing a stable connection between the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.