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Life Styled by Jennie

UK Citizenship

British Citizenship Ceremony

27th February 2018 Comments : 12

It’s official! I’m finally a British citizen. Last week, I attended my British citizenship ceremony, the last and final step of this long journey. Earlier in January, I received the letter stating I’ve been approved as a Brit. To make it official, attendance at a ceremony is obligatory.

British Citizenship Certificate

It’s a very simple and straightforward ceremony, similar to when graduating from University I guess. I had no idea what to expect before hand, except I knew I’d have to give the Oath or affirmation of allegiance and take the Pledge. I also knew a certificate is handed out at the end to make it all official. It’s an expensive piece of paper, that’s for sure.

I was allowed to bring one guest and we arrived at Leeds Town Hall a quarter of an hour before the ceremony started. This gave me time to sign in, receive a Leeds Council mug and decide if I wanted to take the Oath or Affirmation of allegiance. I decided to take the Affirmation, where you declare allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, instead of swearing by Almighty God your allegiance.

There was 20 other people at the ceremony becoming British, all from 12 different nationalities. I was the only Swede and I think only one more couple were from Europe. The rest either from Canada, Brazil, or African and Asian countries. The ceremony started with introductions of staff, entrance of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and his wife and what to expect from the ceremony. Speeches were held, welcoming us to the UK and giving well wishes on becoming British citizens. Emphasis laid on registering to vote and also to use it when it’s time.

Affirmation of Allegiance and Pledge

The ones choosing to take the Oath of allegiance stood up together and read it out together. We then swapped so us taking the Affirmation of allegiance stood up and read our bit: “I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful ab bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and successors, according to law.” After this, we all stood up and took the Pledge: “I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.”

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire

The last part of the ceremony, we individually (when called out by name) walked up to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire for a handshake, exchange of certificate of British Citizenship and of course the obligatory photo. I personally love that they also have a framed photo of the Queen present. We obviously all sang the national anthem together, before leaving.

The ceremony didn’t even take an hour in total after arriving at Town Hall. Afterwards, I spent the day celebrating with lunch and lots of drinks.

This is the last and final step of becoming a British citizen. You can read about all the things you’ll have to do to get here in this post. I’m only waiting for my British passport to come through now.

Jennie xx

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Comments

  1. Anca says

    27th February 2018 at 10:35 am

    That must have been so special and emotional. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations! xx

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      27th February 2018 at 7:44 pm

      Thank you so much! Very special indeed but not sure it’s sunk in yet. Perhaps when the passport arrives 🙂 x

      Reply
  2. Kel says

    28th February 2018 at 2:24 pm

    Congratulations for making it official!

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      28th February 2018 at 8:29 pm

      Thank you lovely! X

      Reply
  3. Helen says

    28th February 2018 at 10:04 pm

    Aw yey Jennie! This must have been an amazing day, the ceremony sounds so lovely.

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      1st March 2018 at 7:37 pm

      Thanks Helen! It really was, so nice and chilled. Feels great to have it done 🙂 x

      Reply
  4. Caroline says

    1st March 2018 at 12:53 pm

    Aw what an amazing day is must have been for you Jennie!
    So happy and glad you’ve finally made it.
    I bet you know more about this country than most of us! Haha!

    Congrats again!

    Caroline.x
    http://www.carolineelgeywhite.com

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      1st March 2018 at 7:38 pm

      Thanks so much lovely! Ha, maybe we should go to a pub quiz and find out 😉 x

      Reply
  5. Tina says

    3rd April 2018 at 12:43 am

    Bit of a late comment, but had to post something as well as say it – well done! I’m so glad you finally got there and the ceremony sounds lovely. One of us! 😀 xx

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      3rd April 2018 at 8:49 pm

      Aww thanks lovely! It was a good day 🙂 x

      Reply
  6. Josh says

    2nd February 2019 at 4:58 am

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    Reply
    • Jennie says

      3rd February 2019 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply

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About Me

Jennie

I'm Jennie - a Swede in Leeds. I blog about life, food, travel, fashion and fitness. In 2018 I became a British citizen and I'm an avid Yorkshire tea drinker ever since! PR friendly. Get in touch on lifestyledbyjennie[at]gmail.com

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