page_title: Flag of Sweden
section_title: Private use of the State flag
hierarchical_section_title: Flag of Sweden / History / Private use of the State flag
caption_attribution_description: English: Postcard of the Swedish battleship HMS Wasa in Karlskrona, during spring 1903.
context_page_description: The flag of Sweden consists of a yellow or gold Nordic cross on a field of blue. The Nordic cross design traditionally represents Christianity. The design and colours of the Swedish flag are believed to have been inspired by the present coat of arms of Sweden of 1442, which is blue divided quarterly by a cross pattée of gold, and modelled on the Danish flag. Blue and yellow have been used as Swedish colours at least since Magnus III's royal coat of arms of 1275.
context_section_description: There have been a few notable exemptions regarding the prohibition of private parties to use the State flag. All these privileges were terminated in accordance with the new specific flag regulation of 22 June 1906.
  According to a royal warrant of 31 October 1786, the Swedish East India Company had the right to use the triple-tailed war ensign in "Indian waters", when not being under immediate protection by the Swedish navy. In the merchant fleet, there was a common practice to illegally use the war ensign to indicate that the ship was armed.
  In 1838, it was decided that private ships contracted by the Royal Mail were to fly a double-tailed flag.
  On 27 February 1832, the Royal Swedish Yacht Club received the right to use the triple-tailed war ensign, including a centre white field with a golden "O" topped with a duke's crown (as of 1878 a royal crown).
  On 7 June 1893, the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club received the right to use the triple-tailed military ensign, including a centered white field with the golden "G K S S" topped with a star.
caption: Swedish coastal defence ship HSwMS Wasa with the union jack (1903)
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