DC Flags Australian Instead of British for King Charles Visit

Washington officials preparing for King Charles III's state visit briefly displayed Australian flags instead of British ones near the White House on Friday, prompting a quick correction amid extensive citywide decorations.

The error involved about 15 Australian flags installed along 17th Street near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, part of more than 230 banners set up to welcome the British monarch. Public works crews from the District of Columbia Department of Transportation placed the flags as part of routine preparations for high-level diplomatic events. A department official confirmed the mistake was identified shortly after installation and rectified within hours, with the Australian flags removed and replaced by Union Jacks. "We posted those flags, but it was quickly rectified, and we were able to remove them," the official told reporters. The agency is reviewing storage and labeling procedures, noting that flags are typically kept in clearly marked containers.

The mix-up drew online attention, with social media users sharing photos and offering lighthearted commentary. Some highlighted the similarity between the Australian and British flags, as the former...