Citizenship ceremonies

00.01 Introduction music

00.13 Superintendent speaking to the Citizens:

I will give my loyalty, (Citizens repeat )
To the United Kingdom (Citizens repeat )
And respects it’s rights and freedom (Citizens repeat )
I will uphold its democratic values (Citizens repeat )
I will observe its laws faithfully (Citizens repeat )
And fulfil my duties and obligations (Citizens repeat )
As a British Citizen (Citizens repeat)

0.48 Superintendent Registrar explains what becoming a British Citizen means:

Citizenship means becoming a member of a country or a group of countries, which gives you certain rights and responsibilities.

Now prior to 2004, those people successfully applying for citizenship had to go and swear their oath of allegiance to the crown before a solicitor or a justice of the peace.

The Government recognising that this was a very private affair and wanted to make it more public and more celebratory.

So therefore this afternoon we will be holding a citizenship ceremony here in Oxford , where citizens will be required to swear an oath of allegiance in public as part of a group ceremony. And we are hoping that this will make them feel part of the wider and local community.

01.40 People are talking, socialising and taking photos before the ceremony.

01.48 Citizen one: Interview before the ceremony

For me being part of the UK is quite significant because there is quite a lot in this country which has to be really envied. Particularly the democratic situation that we have here and a sense of security and stability, and also what this country stands for, integrity and you fight for what you believe in. And I’m kind of really honoured actually to take on the responsibility to be a citizen of this country.

I think it is quite a serious day and at the same time it is an honourable day as well.

02.26 Citizen two: Interview before the ceremony

I have been received really warmly and it makes you feel that you really welcome and I think actually that it is an important landmark in our lives, that from being an Indian citizen, we also now become a British Citizen.

02.46 Superintendent Registrar is explaining what is involved in the ceremony.

There are three key stages to the ceremony. There are speeches made by the Superintendent Registrar and the Lord Lieutenant or one of his Deputies.

There is then an oath of allegiance and a pledge of loyalty made by the citizens. And then we have a presentation of a Citizenship Certificate which is issued by the Home Office which is presented by the Lord Lieutenant.

The ceremony concludes with the singing of the National Anthem.

03.17 Singing of the National Anthem

03.21 The Superintendent Registrar enters the room where the Citizens are gathered

Ladies and Gentleman, Could I invite you all to join me in the Council Chamber please, thank you.

03.28 Citizens enter the Council Chamber

3.32 The Superintendent Registrar’s speech

I would like to formally welcome you all here today to Oxford for this Citizenship Ceremony.

The Citizenship Ceremony is a formal acknowledgment and welcome to those who wish to join with us in full membership of the British Nation and Citizenship of the United Kingdom.

03.55 The Lord Lieutenant’s speech

Congratulations to you all on obtaining British Nationality.

I hope you will continue to engage with your fellow citizens locally and to contribute to our community in Oxfordshire.

04.12 The Superintendent Registrar second speech

Today as part of this ceremony, I’m going to ask you to make certain promises and to swear an oath to the Sovereign that you will be a faithful citizen. I will also be asking you to make a formal and public pledge to that affect, stating that you will be a loyal subject and observe the laws of this Country.

04.36 The promises called by the Superintendent Registrar

I will uphold its democratic values (Citizens repeat)
I will observe its laws faithfully (Citizens repeat)
And fulfil my duties and obligations (Citizens repeat)
As a British Citizen (Citizens repeat)

04.49 The Superintendent third speech

I’m now going to call each of you in turn forward to receive your Certificate of Citizenship from Sir Hugo Brunner.

05.07 Applause from everyone

05.20 Lord Lieutenant congratulates Citizens individually, an example follows:

Congratulations Beatrice, I have a little Granddaughter called Beatrice. She is just as beautiful as you (laughter from everyone). Here is your certificate.

05.27 Beatrice’s photo is taken with Lord Lieutenant followed by applause from everyone

05.36 The Superintendent Registrar fourth speech

From this day forward we hope that you enjoy your new status as British Citizens and that it enriches the lives of yourselves and those around you, both in your families and in your local communities.

You have made an oath and a pledge that you will be a faithful subject to the Queen and a true and loyal citizen of the United Kingdom.

06.01 Everyone sings the National Anthem

God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen…(Fades away)

06.15 Citizen two: Second interview after the ceremony

It is wonderful both solemn and important, it was also some what fun as well. It wasn’t all serious and that was really good.

It made a special moment for us both in terms of family, in terms of our extended family and being with other people, it’s such a mix of people. I think that makes Britain great.

06.34 Citizen three; Interview

This is my happiest moment. I am now a British Citizen.

06.42 Lord Lieutenant concludes the day

I think it’s been a wonderful afternoon. We of course live in a shrinking world and its very, very important that we should engage with each other in a friendly and co-operative manner and this ceremony represents the future.

06.58 End of the video with music and a picture of the Queen.