A flag fit for a Queen (of Pop)

Giant Madonna flag – made by the Royal Family’s flagmakers – flies from the roof of The O2 to signify that the ‘Queen of Pop’ is in residence

It’s a tradition that’s almost as old as the Monarchy itself. When the King or Queen is in residence at Buckingham Palace, the distinctive Royal Standard flag will fly at full mast. But there are Queens, and then there’s the Queen of Pop – Madonna. And Madonna hasn’t had her own flag, until now.

To celebrate the very first night of Madonna’s global, sell-out ‘The Celebration Tour’ at The O2 on Saturday night (14 October), and in keeping with her undisputed title as the Queen of Pop, the venue has created a bespoke, giant Madonna themed Royal Standard flag, that will fly from the venue’s world-famous roof to signify that she’s in residence. Beyond Saturday, it will fly high above the Greenwich skies for Madonna’s subsequent five headline show dates for ‘The Celebration Tour’, featuring four decades of greatest hits, at The O2 throughout October and December.

Steve Sayer, Vice President and General Manager at The O2, said: “The arrival of Madonna and ‘The Celebration Tour’ in London is arguably the biggest UK event in pop music this year. Madonna has been at the forefront of the genre and part of pop culture for four decades, and we’re very proud that this hotly anticipated tour kicks off right here at The O2. This Royal Standard flag feels like a fitting tribute to pop royalty, and the perfect way to kick off six incredible shows. Thanks to LiveNation and of course the Queen of Pop herself for making this happen – we know it will create a really exciting moment for the thousands of fans visiting the venue for this incredible show.”

The resplendent red and gold flag features an instantly recognisable image of Madonna from her ‘True Blue’ album cover – released in 1986, and fittingly credited as the album which catapulted her to superstardom – and has been manufactured by Flying Colours Flagmakers, the Royal Warrant Holders for flag manufacturing. Based in Knaresborough in North Yorkshire, the family-run business has over 250 years of sewing experience and has held its Royal Warrant since the turn of the century.

Chris Taylor, Head of Marketing at Flying Colours, commented: “It is such an incredible honour to have been involved in the making of this unique Royal Standard flag for Madonna. She is true pop royalty. We’ve been manufacturing flags for the Royal Family for over 20 years, but we’ve never made a flag quite like this. To have it fly above The O2 every time she takes to the stage for ‘The Celebration Tour’ shows will be really something”.

Over 90,000 fans will see the Madonna themed flag flying at full mast at ‘The Celebration Tour’ shows at The O2 on Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Tuesday 17, and Wednesday 18 October, as well as Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 December. A second version of the flag will be positioned on the arena Level 1 concourse at all shows for fans to take their own pictures in front of. For more information on Madonna’s headline shows for ‘The Celebration Tour’ at The O2, click here.