The union jack flag is made up of the Saltire of St Andrew for Scotland, and St Patrick for Ireland — a saltire is the heraldic name for the diagonal cross-look — together with the cross of St George for the Kingdom of England.

Why is the Welsh flag not in the Union Jack?

Wales is not represented in the Union Flag by Wales's patron saint, Saint David, because the flag was designed while Wales was part of the Kingdom of England. ... The earlier flag of Great Britain was established in 1606 by a proclamation of King James VI and I of Scotland and England.

What is the difference between the Union Flag and the Union Jack?

Sometime around 1674 the British flag became formally known as the 'Union Jack' when mounted on a warship and the ship was not in harbour. At the same time the British flag was referred to as the 'Union flag' on land. ... An upside-down Union Flag is used as a sign of distress.