The Prince Edward Island FlagThe Prince Edward Island Flag is a banner modelled after the provincial arms. The flag has the proportions 3:2; the three sides away from the mast are bordered by alternating bands of red and white, symbolizing Canada. The upper third of the flag features the English heraldic lion which appeared both on the coat of arms of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, for whom the province is named, and on that of King Edward VII. The lower two-thirds show an island on which appear three small oak saplings (on the left) – representing the three counties of PEI (Prince, Queens, and Kings) – under the protection of a great oak tree which represents Great Britain. This symbolism is also reflected in the provincial motto, Parva sub ingenti (the small under the protection of the great). As a province in the Dominion of Canada, Prince Edward Island acquired a coat of arms on May 30, 1905, utilizing the old seal design as the basis for its new shield. The red chief (upper part of the shield) bore a yellow lion, which referred to the English origin of the settlers and to the coat of arms of Prince Edward, for whom the island was named. In anticipation of the confederation centennial celebrations in 1967, a provincial flag was developed from the coat of arms by Conrad Swan, the first Canadian to serve in the College of Arms. The flag is an armorial banner with the coat of arms spread out as its field. Along the three outer edges a border of alternating red and white rectangles was added. The flag was approved by the legislature on March 24, 1964.
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