Flag of Guernsey cross by Pope Alexander II and flew it on his standard in the Battle of Hastings. Since 2000, a red ensign with the cross in the fly has been used as the government's civil ensign and as a blue ensign. Prior to 1985, Guernsey had no official unique flag and instead used the St George's Cross (the flag of England) as its flag when one was officially required. This came about after King Edward VIII granted consent for Guernsey to use the flag of England in 1936; during the German occupation of the Channel Islands, the residents were prevented from
External relations of Guernsey more integrated relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations, including more direct representation and enhanced participation in Commonwealth organisations and meetings, including Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, however with no right to vote in the Ministerial or Heads of Government meetings. Both Alderney and Guernsey are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The Bailiwick of Guernsey which includes Alderney, Sark, Herm and the other smaller islands is a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation and has attended every games event since the inauguration in 1970. In 2011 Guernsey, which had previously been unrated, was awarded a AAA credit rating by Standard