During this period before 1959, the flag continued to be recognized internationally as a national flag in reference books and by foreign governments. When the Dalai Lama visited the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim in 1956 the Tibetan flag was used by the Sikkimese government to welcome him. The flag can be seen in historic footage flying on the same flagpole alongside the flag of Sikkim at the King’s Tsuklakhang Palace and on the Dalai Lama’s motorcade provided by the royal family.