St George may be England's patron saint, but he's been replaced on the flagpole at Cromer churchyard by a Union flag - because it's Prince Louis' first birthday.

North Norfolk News: Union flag flying in Cromer churchyard on St George's Day. Picture: Dave 'Hubba' RobertsUnion flag flying in Cromer churchyard on St George's Day. Picture: Dave 'Hubba' Roberts (Image: Archant)

The flag flying protocol was discussed at a meeting of Cromer Town Council's promotions events committee.

And the minutes to that meeting state that it was decided that the Royal's birthday took precedence over our national saint.

The minutes state: 'St George's Day. Cllr Pritchard (town mayor David Pritchard) reported that St George's Day is Prince Louis' birthday and as such the Union flag takes precedence over the St George's flag.

'Following lengthy discussion, it was agreed that the Union flag will be flown from the churchyard flag pole this year.

'The Union flag will be flown from the North Lodge flag pole once it has been repaired and the St George's Day flag will be flown from the churchyard flag pole in future years.'

A town council spokesman said: 'It is hoped that repairs to the flagpole in North Lodge Park will be carried out soon and then we will be able to once again fly more than one flag as and when dates require.'

It follows recent controversy after the flag of Ireland, often referred to as the Irish tricolour, was flown at Cromer churchyard for St Patrick's Day. One reader questioned whether it should have been flown.

Official photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's youngest child, Prince Louis, have been released to mark his first birthday.