Introduction
The flag of Prince Edward Island is a British Red Ensign defaced with the provincial coat of arms on its fly. Its design features a red field with the Union Jack occupying the upper hoist canton, a classic pattern for many Canadian provincial flags. The central visual element is the provincial arms displayed on a white disc, which is a distinctive feature not found on all Red Ensign-style flags.
The flag's colors are dominated by the vibrant red of the ensign and the deep blue of the Union Jack, creating a bold and traditional appearance. The inclusion of the white disc behind the coat of arms ensures the detailed shield remains clearly visible against the red background. This combination of British colonial symbolism and local heraldry makes the flag immediately recognizable within the Canadian context.
Meaning & Symbolism
The flag's primary meaning is derived from its two main components: the Union Jack symbolizes the province's historical and constitutional ties to the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth. The provincial coat of arms on the fly represents the identity, heritage, and natural resources of Prince Edward Island itself.
Within the coat of arms, the large oak tree represents the United Kingdom, while the three smaller oak saplings symbolize the island's three counties: Prince, Queens, and Kings. The British lion passant guardant on the red chief is a traditional heraldic symbol of strength and authority. The blue and white wavy bars at the base of the shield symbolize the province's connection to the sea, being an island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
History of the Prince Edward Island Flag
The flag was officially adopted by provincial proclamation on March 24, 1964. Its design is based on the Red Ensign used historically by Canadian provinces before the adoption of the current Maple Leaf flag in 1965. The specific design featuring the provincial arms was championed by Premier Walter R. Shaw and his government to establish a distinct provincial symbol.
The coat of arms featured on the flag was originally granted by King Edward VII in 1905. The flag's adoption preceded the official Canadian flag debate, reflecting a period where provincial symbols were being formalized across the country. The design has remained unchanged since its adoption over half a century ago.
Curiosities
- It is one of the few Canadian provincial flags that still prominently features the Union Jack in its design.
- The flag's proportions of 2:3 are the same as the national flag of Canada.
- The white disc behind the coat of arms is a common feature on Canadian Red Ensign-style flags to improve the visibility of the detailed shield.
Download Flag
Download the flag of Prince Edward Island in high-quality SVG vector format or PNG raster images. SVG files can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
Construction Sheet
The flag follows a standard 2:3 proportion. The Union Jack in the canton occupies the upper left quarter of the flag. The provincial arms are centered on a white disc with a diameter equal to one-half the flag's hoist width, positioned on the fly half of the red field.
Flags Similar to Prince Edward Island Flag
Common Misidentifications
Often confused with the flags of Ontario or Manitoba at a distance due to the identical Red Ensign layout and similar placement of a provincial coat of arms.