No union flag on City Hall for Prince Andrew's birthday after council vote

It is not the first time the issue of a flag over City Hall has sparked controversy.

A union flag at City Hall, Belfast.
Published 2nd Feb 2022

The Union Flag will not fly over Belfast City Hall to mark the Duke of York's birthday later this month.

The decision was confirmed at a meeting on Tuesday, after councillors voted for the measure last month.

Andrew faces a civil sexual assault case in the US, but strongly denies the allegations.

SDLP, Sinn Fein and Alliance councillors backed a motion at the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on January 21 to stop the annual marking of Andrew's birthday in the city.

DUP councillors voted against the move at that meeting, saying the outcome of the trial should be awaited.

The Duke of York stopped using his HRH style and was stripped of his prestigious honorary military roles by the Queen earlier this month.

The issue of the flying of the Union Flag from City Hall has been controversial in the past.

A decision in 2012 by councillors to limit the number of days it is flown from all year round to designated days sparked protests and disorder.

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