Britain spent an estimated £52,800 (around $70,000) replacing 66 hand-sewn flags for President Donald Trump’s state visit to see King Charles III because the U.S. embassy objected to the shade of red on the existing set, the Daily Telegraph reported.
The U.S. president was full of praise for Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being given a private carriage procession around Windsor and a state banquet where he was sat next to the king and Princess Kate.
However, before he set foot on British soil, the hosts had to order new American flags after an objection by U.S. diplomats to the shade of red on an existing set, according to Flag Consultancy,the company that makes flags for the British government’s large ceremonial occasions.
Why It Matters
The new flags cost £800 a pop, adding up to an estimated £52,800 cost to British taxpayers, according to the Telegraph.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Embassy in London via email for comment.
What To Know
Nick Farley, the managing director of the Flag Consultancy, told the newspaper: “The Americans decided that the red we use, which is called R01, wasn’t right for them, and that they wanted a cherry red instead, so we had to buy all new flags for this visit.”
“Their red is now stronger than the red on the Union Flag,” Farley continued. “Before a state visit, we have to provide samples and go to the embassies in London to get sign-off. Countries find it insulting if we get our colors wrong.
“One part of their flag is red. And the one we had in storage was closer to a russet color, and let’s just say they were unhappy. That’s the problem with flags that are not commonly flown: it is our interpretation versus their interpretation.”
He suggested it was possible the sample flag shown to the embassy had been faded by sun damage during Trump’s first state visit in June 2019.
While the saga may have cost British taxpayers money, Newsweek has been told the palace perspective is that the visit passed flawlessly, so clearly no hard feelings were harbored by the hosts.
Starmer also got his pay off when on the final day of the visit he signed a “tech prosperity deal” which is expected to bring £150 billion of investment into the U.K. via American technology companies.
What People Are Saying
A palace source told Newsweek in September: “There was genuine warmth at all tiers of everyone involved in the state visit from the principals [the royals]—you could see the general warmth in the relationship there—right the way down the whole operational cascade.
“We are very focused operationally on making it go as smoothly as possible and it went very well with the support of U.S. colleagues with the result that the program went flawlessly.”
In his speech at the state banquet on September 17, President Donald Trump said: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in his royal highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing. I’ve gotten to know you and you will have unbelievable success in the future.
“Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, so beautiful. It’s really a great honor, thank you.”
What Happens Next
British news outlet The Independent reported Trump may invite Charles to the White House to join celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.