The flag on the former Washington Hotel building, now called Balmoral Apartments

A RIGHT royal row has broken out after an historic flag flown to signify that the Queen is in residence appeared on a flagpole above a block of town flats.

The Royal Standard is regularly seen flying proudly above Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Westminster to signify that Queen Elizabeth is in residence. However, it recently appeared in Clarendon Road above the newly refurbished Balmoral Apartments.

Its use has prompted an official rebuke for the building’s owners, who have been advised to take it down. David Filipponi, chief officer at the Bailiff’s Chambers, said that the flag should not be flown. He added: ‘The Royal Standard should only ever be used if the Queen is in residence.’

However, the developer of the apartments, on the site of the former Washington Hotel, cannot see what the fuss is about. Scot Alexander Burnett said that his company had spent about £3 million refurbishing the building and that it had been completed to a high standard and done to a theme.

‘The standard is flying to reflect the high standard of accommodation and finish,’ he said, adding that it was ‘disappointing’ that the focus was on the flying of the Royal Standard when his business was creating jobs and accommodation at a time of recession.

‘The Bailiff, Michael Birt (left), has ordered owner Alexander Burnett to take down the Royal Standard from Balmoral Apartments