Pakistani student Mehmood-ul-Hassan wore the Palestinian flag during his graduation ceremony at the Royal College of Art, just a day after the United Kingdom formally recognised Palestine as an independent state.
At the RCA ceremony, Mehmood draped the Palestinian flag across his gown as he walked the stage to collect his Master of Fine Arts degree. The gesture prompted applause from attendees and quickly spread across social media, where many described it as a powerful act of hope and solidarity.
Speaking after the event, Mehmood reflected on the symbolism:
“As an artist, symbols matter and today, this flag symbolised not just recognition on paper, but recognition in spirit. Britain’s decision gives hope to millions, and I wanted my graduation—a personal milestone—to also stand as a moment of collective affirmation for Palestine.”
On 21 September 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK government had formally recognised the State of Palestine. The decision was presented as part of Britain’s commitment to a two-state solution and a renewed push for peace in the region.
