ARE THE ROYAL STANDARDS SLIPPING?

KING CHARLES has dispensed with the tradition of raising and lowering the Royal Standard at the residence being used by the monarch.

This is because when he is in London, the King usually sleeps and eats at Clarence House, far left, and works at Buckingham Palace. He won’t be able to move into Buckingham Palace until 2027 while renovation work continues. From now on, the Royal Standard will fly at both at the same time to save a footman dashing up to the roof twice or more a day to operate the flagstaffs.

Some traditionalists are aghast. Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens, who took these pictures within minutes of each other last week, said: ‘This is the Royal Standard. It is hugely symbolic.’