BBC apologises for using Irish tricolour ‘to represent Northern Ireland’ at Platinum Jubilee concert
- The broadcaster said the ‘incorrect flag’ appeared during the Jubilee montage
- An Irish tricolour was shown in a montage celebrating different parts of the UK
- The footage on the screen displayed the Wales football badge, a Scottish flag, and then the tricolour flag, the national flag of the Republic of Ireland
The BBC has apologised after displaying an Irish tricolour flag during the Queen’s Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace on Saturday.
At an evening concert where comedian Doc Brown spoke of being ‘proud to be British’, the Irish tricolour flag — normally used to represent the Republic of Ireland which has not been part of the United Kingdom since 1937 — made an appearance during a BBC montage on screen behind him.
The montage playing on the screen showed the England and Wales football badge, a Scottish flag, and then the tricolour flag, in line with the comedian speaking of ‘the red dragon, shamrock and thistle,’ intended to reference Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘The incorrect flag appeared in a brief montage during Doc Brown’s appearance last night. We apologise for the error and the sequence will be edited on iPlayer.’
Online viewers were quick to spot the mistake, taking to social media to share their views.
The BBC apologised for erroneously displaying the wrong flag in a segment which referenced Northern Ireland
Terry Brennan, communications officer of Limerick Council, said: ‘@BBCOne did you just include the Irish tricolour in a song about being ‘proud to be British’. Laaaddddssss!!!!’
‘If ever Unionists needed a sign that they just are not on the radar,’ said one user on Twitter after watching the footage.
‘I get that it’s just too damn finny, ironic and hilarious. But please, someone tell me how this is not an insult to Ireland’s sovereignty?? Genuine question. Apart from the whiplash it’ll cause amongst Loyalists… I find it offensive,’ said another user.
Use of the flag is controversial in Northern Ireland where a large community often flies flags depicting the Saint Patrick’s Cross or the Red Hand of Ulster. The Union Jack is also commonly used.
But most reactions were kind hearted in nature, laughing off the slip up.
‘The Platinum Party at the Palace was a part of what will be regarded as an outstandingly successful recognition of Her Majesty’s 70 years as the Monarch,’ DUP MP Gregory Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph.
‘It was unfortunate that in a very short video clip during the event when the four Nations that make up the United Kingdom were visually represented by logos or flags that the Irish Tricolour was used instead of the Ulster Banner.
‘Hopefully those responsible will have realised their mistake and will ensure that in the event of any future occasion where the four Countries of the UK are to be visually represented, more care is taken to ensure a mistake like this one is not repeated.’
Elton John, Rod Stewart, Craig David, Diana Ross, and recent Eurovision Sam Ryder joined other stars in the line up marking the Queen’s 70 years on the throne over the Jubilee weekend.
The Ulster Banner, unofficially known as the Flag of Northern Ireland, is flown at a sports event
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