why are british flags at half mast today

British flags are at half-mast today as a mark of respect for the Funeral and Requiem Mass of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent, which took place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. UK government buildings were requested to lower their Union Flags to half-mast from 08:00 to 20:00 on that day, and other organizations and local authorities have followed suit.