Westminster Abbey Video Sparks False Claims About Pakistani Flag and Holy Week

In a fresh demonstration of how swiftly misinformation spreads online, an outdated video featuring the Pakistani national flag flying above Westminster Abbey has resurfaced, falsely claiming to depict Holy Week ceremonies in 2025, according to a Reuters fact-check.

The original footage, first released by Pakistan’s High Commission in London on 22 March 2024, shows Pakistan’s green and white flag hoisted above the historic abbey in celebration of Pakistan Day (23 March). The tradition, dating back more than half a century, involves Westminster Abbey flying the national flags of Commonwealth member states when representatives from their high commissions attend Evensong—a ceremonial evening service held at the abbey to mark each nation's national day.

However, in recent weeks, social media users have widely circulated the clip, mistakenly asserting that the abbey raised Pakistan’s flag to commemorate Holy Week this year. One such Facebook post queried, “Can someone please explain to me why The Pakistan Flag is flying from Westminster Abbey in London during ‘Holy Week’?”

Responding to Reuters’ enquiry, a spokesperson from Pakistan’s High Commission clarified that the video is indeed from 2024, adding that the flag has not yet been flown at the abbey in 2025. Moreover, this year’s Evensong for Pakistan Day is scheduled for 24 March, weeks ahead of Holy Week, which begins on 13 April.

Typically, Westminster Abbey flies either the Flag of St Peter or its own "Abbey Flag", but the abbey’s official website acknowledges exceptions for the flags of Commonwealth nations, marking their respective national days. While Westminster Abbey has yet to comment specifically on this latest confusion, a spokesperson previously confirmed the long-standing nature of the tradition to Reuters.

This incident underscores the critical role fact-checking plays in a media environment increasingly vulnerable to misinformation. With social media platforms often accelerating the spread of misleading content, robust verification from reliable sources is essential to maintain public trust and prevent unwarranted controversies.