Following the announcement of the birth of a son to their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, UK government buildings should fly the Union Flag at full mast from 8am until 8pm, today, Tuesday, 23 July 2013.

Local authorities are not bound by this request but may wish to follow it for guidance. Devolved administrations are responsible for issuing instructions for the flying of the Union Flag on buildings in their estate and others as necessary.