Last Updated on September 24, 2021
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Brief History of the Flag of British Virgin Islands
The flag of the British Virgin Islands was adopted by Royal Warrant on 15 November 1960 after the islands were made into a separate British colony. Previously, the territory was administered as part of the British Leeward Islands.
The flag of the British Virgin Islands features a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton and defaced with the coat of arms of the British Virgin Islands. The coat of arms, which date to the early nineteenth century, features Saint Ursula holding a flaming gold oil lamp and surrounded by a further eleven lamps, which represent her 11,000 virgin followers.
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The islands were named after these virgin followers by Christopher Columbus when he discovered the islands in 1493, the multiplicity of islands reminding him of the numerous followers. The motto present on the flag reads Vigilate, which is translated from Latin is be watchful. The flag was modified in 1999 when the shield was enlargened and outlined in white.
Meaning Behind the Colours of the Flag of British Virgin Islands
The coat of arms present on the British Virgin Islands flag has an image of Saint Ursula with twelve lamps surrounding it. White signifies peace and honesty. Red signifies hardiness, bravery, strength, and valour while blue stands for vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice.