Washington D.C. officials mistakenly displayed Australian flags instead of the Union Jack ahead of King Charles III’s visit. The error occurred early Tuesday and involved 15 Australian flags among more than 230 total flags displayed.
The mix-up was limited to light posts near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The D.C. Department of Transportation confirmed the mistake and stated it was rectified swiftly.
The Australian flag features the Union Jack in its upper-left corner but is distinguished by six white stars against a blue background. This led to some confusion, as King Charles is also the head of state for Australia, though this role is largely ceremonial.
Officials installed the flags to welcome King Charles during his state visit to the U.S. This visit marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from British rule.
Reactions have varied. A D.C. Department of Transportation official said, “We posted those flags, but it was quickly rectified, and we were able to remove them.” Meanwhile, one user remarked, “They should have kept the Australian flags up; Charles is constitutionally our head of state.”