Sledge Flag granted by H.R.H. Prince Charles to Pen Hadow for his Arctic Survey 2009 expedition...

Sledge Flag granted by H.R.H. Prince Charles to Pen Hadow for his Arctic Survey 2009 expedition

A rare polar exploration Sledge Flag, by Flying Colours (Royal Warrant Holder for flag-making), approximately 119cm x 38cm, with fittings for use, a rare example of such a Flag being granted by the British royal family, from H.R.H. Prince Charles in his role as Patron of Arctic Survey (2009) to Pen Hadow, the founder-leader of the international ocean research programme (subsequently sponsored by Catlin Group), good condition and a most rare example

This Sledge Flag, whose design was formally approved by H.R.H. Prince Charles and was presented to Pen in the gardens of Clarence House on 9 February 2009, fittingly with snow on the ground! It was carried by Pen in his sledge throughout the 70-day 400km Catlin Arctic Survey 2009 expedition in the northern Beaufort Sea area of the Arctic Ocean.

This example appears to be the only known example of a Sledge Flag having been granted and issued to a polar explorer by a member of the Royal Family. Queen Alexandra certainly granted the Union Jack flown at the 'Furthest South' by Shackleton on 9 January 1909 (https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/25106/lot/196/, refers), whilst most other explorers designed them personally or had their wives or mothers prepare them. Please see Chivalry at the Poles: British Sledge Flags by Barbara Tomlinson for further details (https://www.flaginstitute.org/pdfs/Barbara%20Tomlinson.pdf).

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