Remembrance Sunday 2023 was The Flag Consultancy’s 10th consecutive year providing Flag flying and line marking services at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. 

This is the annual commemoration of the fallen in all conflicts who sacrificed their lives in the service of our Country. On this special day in 2023, His Majesty King Charles III laid a wreath on behalf of the nation in thanks, followed by floral tributes from other members of The Royal Family. The Heads of the Armed Forces and Service Branches, together with Politicians, Representatives of the Crown Colonies & Dependencies and High Commissions from the 56 Commonwealth Nations together with Civilian Services, all laid their own wreaths as a mark of respect. A short religious service was performed by The Bishop of London, followed by music performed by the massed bands of the Household Division. 

Leading up to the annual ceremony, our roles are varied and include: marking out the positions where the VVIP’s stand (column boxes for the veterans to stand in prior to the march-past), changing over the flagpoles on The Cenotaph, flying a special set of flags comprising of the Union Flag x 2, RAF Ensign, White Ensign, Red & Blue Ensigns representing the Merchant & Civilian Services. 

On the day of the ceremony we supply chairs for the veterans, and mark out the wreath positions in chalk on the Portland stone plinths surrounding The Cenotaph. 

At the end of the march-past, we install special ornate bollards and railings to protect the wreaths. Members of the public are then invited to lay wreaths for their fallen loved ones. 

Our final act is to return two weeks later to remove the wreaths and hand over the “Royal Wreaths” to The Royal British Legion. The poles and flags are changed back over to the daily set until the following year. 

We are proud to be associated with our Nation’s tribute and have been recently awarded with a long-term contract to carry on providing this important service for another 7 years.