The Union Jack turns 400

"More British than fish and chips" runs the headline above a commentary by journalist Adam Edwards paying hommage to the Union Jack, four hundred years to the day after James I of England issued his proclamation of April 12, 1606 ordering all Navy ships to fly the tri-colour banner. "The quatercentenary of our flag should jostle with the Queen's 80th birthday [on April 21] for global attention, for the red, white and blue duster is as iconic as the monarchy itself. ... It embraces empire and Swinging London, Cool Britannia and football hooliganism. It is the proud symbol of both the patriot and the expat and is displayed with equal pride on our government buildings and our citizens' bodies. The tri-coloured diagonal, whether we like it or not, is a design that has long since transcended its brief as a naval flag of convenience. It has become the global badge of the modern Brit."

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