OA’s ‘immense pride’ at making Royal Standards draping Queen’s coffin

Published by Ashville College on Monday 26th of September 2022

A former Ashville College pupil has spoken of his immense pride at making the Royal Standards draping the Queen’s coffin.

‘Old Ashvillian’ Andy Ormrod, who was a boarder between 1972 and 1979, and is the owner of Knaresborough-based Flying Colours, has been making flags for the Royal Household since 2000, including the Scottish and English Standards which have covered Her Majesty’s casket and been seen by millions of people around the world.

Each of the Royal Standards measure 12ft by 6ft, and because of their dimensions are known as ‘four-yard flags’. Whilst a Union flag consists of 31 individual pieces of fabric, Royal Standards feature numerous appliques carefully stitched onto the ceremonial fabric, also known as ‘drill’. And because the flags are handmade, each one takes between 50 and 60 hours to complete.

Andy, who started the business in 1993 with his then wife, now employs an 18-strong workforce. One of only six Flag Institute registered British flag makers, Flying Colours was awarded a Royal Warrant by the Queen in 2008.

For more than 20 years, his flags have flown above all the Royal Palaces. And at 38ft by 19ft, Windsor Castle’s Royal Standard is the largest in the United Kingdom.

Andy said:

“At the same time as feeling very subdued about the Queen’s death, I’m also filled with immense pride. It’s a very strange feeling, as the majority of the flags we create are for happy occasions – a special event or a celebration.

“The order for these standards was placed two years ago, and when I asked a few questions, in particular about fixings, it was evident what they were to be used for.”

Each year, Flying Colours makes thousands of flags with many being exported around the world, in particular to America, Australia and New Zealand and European countries.