Union flag flies over Belfast city hall

The Union flag was flying over Belfast’s city hall yesterday to mark a royal birthday.

It was the second time the flag was raised since city councillors voted to restrict the number of days it can fly to 18.

The flag was hoisted at dawn to mark the 48th birthday of the Earl of Wessex’s wife Sophie.

Meanwhile, police said two men arrested on Saturday during protests in Belfast over the flag controversy will face magistrates today.

An 18-year-old was charged with disorderly behaviour and a 20-year-old with disorderly behaviour and provocative conduct.

Earlier there had been a heavy police presence as hundreds of people attended a peaceful demonstration at the city hall.