The Royal Standard represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom. It is flown when The Queen is in residence in one of the Royal Palaces, on The Queen's car on official journeys and on aircraft while landed. It may be flown on any building, official or private excluding religious during a visit by The Queen. It also formerly was flown on the Royal Yacht Britannia when it was in service and the Queen was on board.

Since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the design of the Royal Standard has seen various forms. Today’s Standard bears four quadrants - two for England (three lions passant), one for Scotland (a lion rampant) and one for Ireland (a harp). Wales is not represented in the Royal Standard, as its special position as a Principality was recognised by the creation of the Prince of Wales long before the incorporation of the quadrant design was originated. The Royal Standard is only flown when the Queen is present. When she attends Parliament, the Royal Standard flies from Victoria Tower. Unlike the Union or other national flags, the Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast. Upon the death of the monarch, his or her successor becomes King or Queen at the moment of their successor’s death.

A distinct Royal standard for Her Majesty exists for each of the 16 Commonwealth Realms for which she is Queen.Each of these standards start with the basic English design and personalize themselves with something distinctly related to each of the Queen’s distinct and separate Kingdoms.

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