12 April - The Union Flag was adopted as the flag of English and Scottish ships.

 

On April 12, 1606, an event related to the flag did indeed occur. This date marks the proclamation of the Union Flag as the flag of English and Scottish ships. Following the accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne as James I of England in 1603, efforts were made to create a unified flag that represented both England and Scotland. The Union Flag, combining the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew, was created as a result.

The proclamation of April 12, 1606, mandated that this new flag be flown on English and Scottish ships to symbolize the unity of the two kingdoms under the rule of James I. This event was significant in the history of flags and heralded the beginning of the use of the Union Flag as a symbol of the United Kingdom.