Citizenship ceremonies
What happens at a ceremony?
Once you have been granted British citizenship by the Home Office you are invited to attend a ceremony, which are held weekly.
Ceremonies are conducted by the Superintendent Registrar. They are mainly held at the Town Hall, but can also be held at other licensed venues as outlined in your invitation letter.
When you arrive for the ceremony you will be asked to show your letter of invitation at the registration. You will also need to provide some form of ID (passport /driving licence).
You will then have refreshments with other new citizens and your guests.
Pledge
You will be seated and given your pledge card with the words to the Oath of Allegiance or Affirmation of Allegiance. You will have already chosen which allegiance you will swear at the ceremony.
You will be welcomed by the Mayor or Deputy Mayor of Greenwich, and you will be asked to give your oath or affirmation.
Oath of allegiance
The Oath of Allegiance requires states that:
"I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law."
Affirmation of allegiance
The affirmation of allegiance requires states that:
"I (name) do solemnly and sincerely affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law."
After the oath or affirmation, you will make the citizenship pledge.
Citizenship pledge
The citizenship pledge states that:
"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."
Certificate
The Mayor, or the Mayor's representative, will then present you with your citizenship certificate and a gift.
At the end of the ceremony the new citizens listen to the National Anthem.
Photographs are taken with the Mayor to round off a special, meaningful and enjoyable occasion.
We also conduct individual ceremonies at the Town Hall. Contact the Citizenship office for further information.