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Integral to the citizenship ceremony is the display of both the Union flag and a portrait of the Queen. The oath and pledge made by each new British citizen can either be sworn or affirmed as follows: ‘I (name) swear by Almighty God...’ or ‘I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm...’
and continues: ‘
...that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to HerMajesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law. ‘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.’
T Citizenship
he Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 requires all successful applicants for naturalisation or registration as British citizens, who are aged 18 or over, to take an oath and
pledge at a citizenship ceremony. The beginning of the process is your application to the Home Office for British citizenship. When your application is approved, the Home Office will write to you, inviting you to contact your local register office to book into a ceremony. At the same time, the Home Office sends the register office your Citizenship Certificate, on receipt of which they will write to you, giving details of their next ceremony and alternative arrangements should you require them.
Group ceremonies Ceremonies are held in groups, usually of between
10 and 15 people, and you arewelcome to invite a couple of guests to accompany you. The proceedings are hosted by the superintendent registrar and often a local dignitary will attend to welcome the new citizens to the community.
What is the format? After speeches of welcome, the superintendent
registrar will invite you to swear the oath of allegiance or, if you choose, the affirmation of
3 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N B E R K S H I R E
ceremonies
allegiance. If you plan to swear the oath before Almighty God, you may bring a holy book with you. The point atwhich you pledge your allegiance is the key legalmoment in the ceremony and it is at this instant that citizenship is conferred. You will then be presented with your Citizenship Certificate and invited to sign the New Citizen Register. The certificate is issued on behalf of the Home Secretary and can subsequently be used to support a passport application to prove you are a British citizen. The ceremony is closed with the playing of the National Anthem. Your guests are welcome to take photographs of the certificate presentation and register signing.
Individual ceremonies For many people, this ceremony will be the
culmination of many years of waiting to become a British citizen. If you would prefer to arrange an individual ceremony, so you can invite more guests, this can normally be arranged, but you should consult your local register office.
Please note that people wishing to become British citizens must initially apply directly to the Home Office.
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