The Flag of the Order’s Works
The red flag with the the eight-pointed white cross is the flag of the Order of Malta’s works. The eight-pointed cross has been used in the Order as long as the latin cross, and stems from the Order’s ancient links with the Republic of Amalfi. Its present form dates back over 400 years; the first clear reference to an eight-pointed cross was its representation on the coins of Grand Master Fra’ Foulques de Villaret (1305-1319). This is the flag flown by the Order’s Grand Priories and Subpriories, its 48 National Associations and over 100 diplomatic missions around the world. It also flies over hospitals, medical centres and out-patients’ departments, as well as wherever the Order of Malta’s ambulance corps, foundations and specialised units operate.