In 1821, HM King George IV visited Ramsgate several times and was a great friend of Sir William Curtess - “Billy Biscuit”.
He received such a friendly welcome on these visits of embarkation to Hanover that on his return to London he decreed that Ramsgate Harbour should receive the title of "The Royal Harbour of Ramsgate" and that we could fly his Royal Standard three times per year - 29th January, 19th July and 12th August. (Accession to the Throne, Coronation and His Majesty's Birthday.)
Ramsgate does fly the Royal standard with effect from the 175th Anniversary in 1996 three times a year. This was set up and is still run by the Ramsgate Events Group in attendance: The Town Mayor, Ramsgate and Broadstairs Sea Cadet Corps and the Town Chaplain.