Why isn't Wales integrated in the Union Jack?

Question

I mean they could have fitted that Red Dragon somewhere, no?

Answer 1

its done on colours, not shapes.........also its the union flag. A union jack is ony seen on a RN ship. Hence jackstaff it hangs off

Answer 2

Because we don't want that silly fantasy figure spoiling our nice geometric flag.

Lets face it - overseas visitors are going to think we're a bit wacky if they saw it. As it is, if they look concerned when they see it - we simply tell foreign tourists that it's something the old tribal people up in the welsh mouintains like to worship. It seems to go down OK.

Answer 3

It is. It's represented by red and white, as is England, Scotland did best area wise, with the blue background and white saltaire.

Answer 4

The Welsh wanna be alone, try going into a Welsh shop and being English!

They hate us!

Answer 5

If you put the dragon on the same flag as the cross of St George...

Wouldn't they fight?

Answer 6

Because Wales isn't a Kingdom it's a principality. :-)

Answer 7

The Principality of Wales was merged with England back in 1536 with the first Acts of Union.  Contrary to popular belief, the Welsh flag with the dragon is a recent invention, and Wales' incorporation into the Kingdom of England, and then the Kingdom of Great Britain, now the United Kingdom, predates it by several centuries.

As has already been remarked, its status as a principality means it is not counted among the Kingdoms represented in the Union Flag.  It is a Royal flag, adopted by custom by the people of the nation.  In no way is it *officially* the British flag.

And besides, it hardly matters - we have bigger things to worry about than tweaking our adornments and symbols to please everyone.  It's akin to the remaining 37 States of the US griping over only 13 stripes being on the US flag...

Answer 8

It's not PC, but i believe it's because they were conquered; whereas Scotland formed a Union, and Northern Ireland is a legacy of a UK and Ireland political union too.

Answer 9

I think that Wales should be added to the Union Jack flag. The flag does not contain a part for Wales at all. Even if they used Wales' second flag the flag of St. David (which is black and yellow) they could find a place for that on there somewhere.  

Answer 10

because the welsh dont want to integrate they want to be insular

Answer 11

Wales was conquered by Edward I in the 13th Century, and became part of the UK in 1536 with the first Acts of Union.  As a result, Wales is grouped under England on the Union Flag.

The Welsh dragon flag is a fairly recent invention.  In the days before the Conquest of Edward I, Wales was composed of many squabbling kingdoms, each of which would have had their own flag, so there was never any national flag.  The cross of St David is probably the closest, which is a yellow cross on a black background.  Unfortunately, it wouldn't really fit with the red, white and blue of the Union Jack and its been around so long it seems a shame to change it now.

I'm Welsh and don't have a problem with the Union Jack not showing a "Welsh flag", I know we're still part of the UK and don't feel we need a flag to show that.  My dad fought in the army under the Union Jack and was proud to do so.

Answer 12

The UK is "properly" divided into 3 areas:

1 - Scotland, 2 - N. Ireland, 3 - England & Wales.

So, officially Wales is constitutionally part of England as we are a "conquered nation" whereas Scotland and N Ireland's position came about mostly via political means.

The red dragon flag is a very ancient symbol - been used for the best part of 2 millenia apparently, so it doesn't really go with the crosses of St George, Patrick and Andrew.

There is a cross of St David but it's gold on black and so that would ruin the red white and blue tradition.

Any integration or change would probably mean a dilution of the symbolism of the red dragon and that would be a pity.

At the end of the day I think most Welsh people are actually happy with the situation as it is.