<P> The terms Union Jack and Union Flag are both historically correct for describing the de facto national flag of the United Kingdom . Whether the term Union Jack applies only when used as a jack flag on a ship is a modern matter of debate . </P> <P> According to the Parliament of the United Kingdom: "Until the early 17th century England and Scotland were two entirely independent kingdoms . This changed dramatically in 1603 on the death of Elizabeth I of England . Because the Queen died unmarried and childless, the English crown passed to the next available heir, her cousin James VI, King of Scotland . England and Scotland now shared the same monarch under what was known as a union of the crowns . </P> <P> In 1606, James VI gave orders for a British flag to be created which bore the combined crosses of St. George and of St. Andrew . The result was the Union Jack, Jack being a shortening of Jacobus, the Latin version of James ". </P> <P> According to the Flag Institute, a membership - run vexillological charity, "the national flag of the United Kingdom, the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories is the Union Flag, which may also be called the Union Jack ." The institute also notes: </P>

Where does the name union jack come from
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