Sandwell swears allegiance to new Monarch at Citizenship Ceremonies
As part of the process of becoming a
British citizen, an individual must declare allegiance to the Crown. Sandwell is now conducting ceremonies in which individuals swear allegiance to the new Monarch, King Charles III
Sandwell Council holds Citizenship Ceremonies at Highfields House, West Bromwich, on alternative Wednesday mornings. This ceremony is the final part of becoming a new British Citizen.
Becoming a British citizen is a public celebration. Everyone who applies for British citizenship must take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the Crown and pledge loyalty to the United Kingdom. The Lieutenancy attend to represent the British Monarchy and the Mayor of Sandwell attends to represent the borough of Sandwell.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic virtual individual and group ceremonies for new citizens took place. The Mayor and Lieutenancy have been attending the ceremonies since the summer of this year. Sandwell conducts Citizenship Ceremonies for around 500 people each year.
The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Richard Jones, said: “I welcome how the ceremonies have got back to normal this year and recognise how it’s been a poignant year with the final ceremonies under Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign and the first under King Charles III. I warmly welcome all our new citizens to life as a British citizen in Sandwell.”