Letter: Victorian flag

John Livingstone
Thursday 11 September 1997 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: I read in the Dictionary of National Biography that when King William IV died the servants of his widow, Queen Adelaide, naturally flew the Royal Standard at half mast at Windsor, where she was living. The new Queen, Victoria, paid an immediate dutiful visit to her mourning aunt. The servants, correctly according to protocol, prepared to raise the flag mast-high, since the reigning monarch was present in her own palace. The Queen, out of respect, forbade this and insisted on the flag remaining at half mast throughout her visit.

JOHN LIVINGSTONE

Biarritz, France

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in