[1] In 1959, following a grant from the College of Arms and with the consent of Queen Elizabeth II, it was adopted as the flag of British Hong Kong.

[3] On 3 July 1869, a new design for the Hong Kong flag was commissioned at a cost of £3 (equivalent to £350 in 2023), which featured a "gentleman in an evening coat who is purchasing tea on the beach at Kowloon".

In 1876, the "local scene" badge (Chinese: 阿群帶路圖 Picture of "Ar Kwan" Guiding the British soldier) was re-adopted to the Blue Ensign flag with the Admiralty's approval.

[5] The flag which was eventually adopted featured the Blue Ensign together with a "local scene" of traders in the foreground and both European-style and Chinese-style trading ships in the background.

The flag of the Regional Council represented the governmental body which oversaw matters related to the outlying areas of the territory during the colonial period.

Designed in 1958 by Geoffrey Cadzow Hamilton, managing officer of the civil service, the flag was approved by the Executive Council of Hong Kong, and then by the College of Arms with minor amendments.

[9] Queen Elizabeth II granted a Royal Warrant for the coat of arms, which was presented to Governor Black by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

[10] The flag was used to represent Hong Kong in sports, including at the Olympic Games, although the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen", was used for gold medalists.

[1] The pro-Beijing camp views the flag as a symbol of colonialism and a reminder of China's losses during the era of New Imperialism.

[23] China's Politburo Standing Committee member, Yu Zhengsheng, stated that "The Chinese people will not accept some Hongkongers waving the colonial flag" to protest against mainlanders going to Hong Kong to give birth.

[19] In early 2013, pro-democracy protestors calling for the resignation of Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying flew the old colonial flag.

[29] In the wake of the protests, and in the context of the passing of the Hong Kong national security law in 2020, the flag's use may be interpreted as promoting separatism and foreign influence and result in investigation.

After the death of Elizabeth II, a tribute outside the British consulate in Hong Kong used the colonial flag without formal punishment.