The flag is the banner of the Coat of Arms of Norway. It is based on the 1905 version of the coat of Arms, at least 750 years old. The present design of the coat of arms for government use was changed in 1937 to fit a medieval style, but the king has kept the 1905 design for the royal arms and standard.
The flag was referred to as the "ancient royal standard" of Norway when it was introduced. It is the earliest known flag of Norway, originally only a flag for the king, as it is today. During the early period of the union with Denmark, it was occasionally flown from fortresses and naval vessels until it was gradually phased out during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its earliest certain depiction is on the seal of Duchess Ingebjørg in 1318. In 1748 a decree stated that the Dannebrog should be the only legal merchant flag for ships of the united kingdoms of Denmark-Norway.
The seal of duchess Ingebjørg contains the earliest preserved depiction of the Royal Standard
The flag of the King is also used by the Queen.
Between 1844 and 1905, the kings of Norway used a royal standard on the same pattern as Denmark and Sweden. It was a war flag with the union badge in the canton and the royal arms in the centre of the cross.
The flag of the Crown Prince (Kronprinsflagget) is similar to the royal standard, except that the field is swallowtailed. It was introduced by Royal Resolution of 26 December1924.
The Crown Prince's flag is also used by the Crown Princess.
There are no flags for the rest of the royal family.
