Principality of Elba Flag

Unveil a piece of Napoleonic history with our Flag of the Principality of Elba, a flag that Napoleon designed himself after he was exiled in 1814 to rule rule the tiny Island.

The significance of the emblem selected by the Emperor has long been a topic of debate among historians. The flag features a white field, divided diagonally by a red stripe originating from the upper side of the flagpole, adorned with three golden bees. Napoleon, in his quest to establish something both novel and resonant with the people of Elba, drew inspiration from various sources. The predominant white color echoes the House of Medici and the House of Appiano flags, while the red hue recalls the banners of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and the House of Appiano. The diagonal stripe, devoid of diamonds, mirrors the design of the House of Appiano flag.

The inclusion of the bee, a potent symbol during Napoleon's reign in France, was a deliberate choice to forge a connection between the new dynasty and the ancient kingdom of France. Golden bees, unearthed in 1653 in Tournai within the tomb of Childeric I, the father of Clovis I and founder of the Merovingian dynasty in 457, served as the earliest emblem of the French monarchy. They symbolized immortality and resurrection, embodying a profound sense of continuity and regality.

• 100% polyester
• Knitted fabric
• Fabric weight: 4.42 oz/yd² (150 g/m²)
• Print on one side
• Blank reverse side
• 2 iron grommets

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!