Quote Originally Posted by McClef View Post
So many would still claim that there is a case for Wales, whilst it is still one of the countries of the United Kingdom at least, to have a presence on the Union Flag.
Why? The Union Flag represents the joining of three, distinct, KINGDOMS, ie: England, Scotland, and Ireland.

In 1707, when the Union flag was adopted, it reflected the merging of two distinct kingdoms-- Scotland and England. Wales didn't figure in because it wasn't a kingdom, and someone would have to conjure up a lot of pre-medieval "history" to show that it ever was a kingdom in the normally understood sense of the word. The reality is that, in 1707, it had been more than 400 years since Edward I had defeated the Welsh. In 1801, with the Union of Ireland, Wales position still hadn't changed-- it wasn't a kingdom. Today the "Principality of Wales" is really only an uber-county; a geopolitical unit which provides for the effective administration of government in twelve counties, whilst taking reasonable care to maintain regional customs and culture.

If one follows the logic that "past kingdoms" are entitled to representation on the national flag, then how about Anglia and Mercia? Or Northumbria?

Wales has a regional flag, like Cornwall. I think it's great that many Welsh men and women can identify, culturally, with that flag. But should it be imposed upon the Union flag? In my opinion, and for the reasons cited above, no.