Washington D.C. officials mistakenly displayed Australian flags instead of the Union Jack ahead of King Charles III’s visit on April 24, 2026. The error involved 15 Australian flags among more than 230 flags displayed for the event.
The mix-up was limited to light posts near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and was quickly corrected by the D.C. Department of Transportation. Officials confirmed that the mistake was rectified swiftly.
The Australian flag features the Union Jack in the upper-left corner but is distinguished by six white stars against a blue background. King Charles is also the head of state for Australia, although this role is largely ceremonial.
The flags were installed to welcome King Charles during his state visit to the U.S., which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence from British rule.
Key facts:
- 15 Australian flags mistakenly displayed
- More than 230 total flags were put up
- Flags were corrected promptly by D.C. officials
A D.C. Department of Transportation official stated, “We posted those flags, but it was quickly rectified, and we were able to remove them.” Some locals humorously suggested that keeping the Australian flags might have been appropriate since Charles is constitutionally their head of state.
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