The creation was prompted by confusion at international sporting events over competitors from Guernsey and England using the same flag.

[3] It was designed by the Guernsey Flag Investigation Committee led by Deputy Bailiff Sir Graham Dorey.

William purportedly was given such a cross by Pope Alexander II and flew it on his standard in the Battle of Hastings.

During the German occupation of the Channel Islands, the residents were prevented from displaying official British symbols, but the flag of England was permitted for civilian use.

[7] Research was carried out by Deputy Bailiff Sir Graham Dorey, of Guernsey's Flag Investigation Committee.

The gold cross was chosen as it was a symbol of King William the Conqueror, seen on a banner at the Battle of Hastings, as portrayed on the Bayeux Tapestry.

[4] The new flag's design was to symbolise that the islanders were of Norman descent but loyal to the English (and later British) Crown.

[12] In November 2012 the Bailiwick of Guernsey's St John Ambulance was elevated to a Commandery within the Order dependent on the Priory of England and the Islands in a church service which included granting a new flag from the British College of Arms including elements of the flag of Guernsey.

This was a St George's cross on a blue-and-white chequered field, with the Union Flag in canton.