Queen’s coffin drape supplied by royal flag makers in Knaresborough

The “coffin drape” that covers the Queen’s coffin as it journeys through Scotland to Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral this afternoon has been made by a small team of specialist flag makers in Knaresborough.

Flying Colours in Knaresborough has a royal warrant and has been supplying flags to the royal household for more than 15 years.

It’s managing director Andy Ormrod, told the Stray Ferret that because the Queen had died in Scotland a specific drape was used:

“The drape is the Royal Standard for use in Scotland and it is not a flag.  Its has been made with hemmed borders with no clips or ropes so it can’t  be raised on a flag pole.

“The drapes were completed last year — the Royal Family is very organised and work well in advance. “

The drape is 12 ft by 6 ft in dimension and made of heavy ceremonial flag fabric — a mix of polyester and polyester cotton.

Each drape takes up to 50 hours of work and is made by one person in the 18-strong team so there is a consistency of stitch work.

Mr Ormrod said his team was immensely proud of its work but there is a muted atmosphere in the workshop

“It’s incredibly strange. We’ve had Brexit, then covid, then we lost Boris and Liz Truss was with the Queen one day and then this. It’s gut wrenching and we are bitterly sad.

“But then everyone around the world is looking at the wonderful work she’s done.

“We have the best royal family and it’s amazing watching all the protocol. We’re very proud to be involved.”

Tomorrow the coffin will leave Scotland for England and the drape will be changed to the Royal Standard of HM The Queen.

The Scottish standard that sits on the top left and bottom right of the Royal Standard is for use in Scotland.

The Royal Standard for HM The Queen has the three lions on the top left and bottom right.

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