Flag and Crest

The BIOT flag was granted to the Commissioner by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 25th anniversary of the Territory. The Union Jack is represented in the top left-hand corner. The blue and white stripes represent the Indian Ocean. The palm tree and crown are symbols of the Territory. The flag was formally updated in October 2025 via submission to His Majesty, in agreement with the College of Arms. Where previously the flag included Her Late Majesty’s St Edwards crown, it now includes His Majesty King Charles III’s preferred Tudor Crown. The crown depicted on the flag is simple gold, unadorned by red velvet or jewels. The update to the flag was done in line with guidance and incurred no additional cost to the taxpayer.

The Administration also has a crest. The crest also depicts the Indian Ocean and the crown (which may be updated in due course). The shield is supported by two turtles – a hawksbill and a green. The Territory provides critical nesting grounds for both.

The BIOT motto, as represented on the crest, is In Tutela Nostra Limuria – meaning “Limuria is in our Trust”. Lemuria is the name of a “lost land” located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, similar to Atlantis.