HAMPSHIRE has welcomed 30 new residents during a special British Citizenship ceremony.

People from all over the world, including Nepal and Jamaica, pledged their allegiance to The Queen and made a pledge of loyalty to the United Kingdom in the final stage to becoming British citizens at the ceremony, which was held in The Great Hall in Winchester.

Ucal Cope from Jamaica, who now lives in Andover with his wife Marlene, said: “I am happy because it’s been a long process and I can now relax. It makes us more of a family, and it’ll help with family life, like when we travel together.”

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The historical venue, with its medieval royal connections, was chosen for the ceremony in recognition of The Queen’s 70-year reign, this Platinum Jubilee year, and each new British citizen was presented with a special commemorative certificate.

The ceremony was officiated by The Queen’s representative in Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant Hampshire, and Hampshire County Council chairman Cllr Marge Harvey.

Cllr Harvey said: “Citizenship ceremonies promote a sense of belonging among new citizens, providing greater understanding of the rights and obligations of British citizens, and mark an important milestone in their lives. It is always a privilege to welcome Hampshire’s newest British citizens as they pledge their allegiance to Her Royal Highness, The Queen and even more so in 2022, during this particularly special Jubilee year, when we also celebrate The Queen’s magnificent 70-year reign.

“I warmly welcome our newest citizens to Hampshire and encourage them to enjoy their new status as ‘fully fledged’ citizens - embracing all that Hampshire has to offer and sharing their culture and traditions within their communities.”

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Richa Sherstha, originally from Nepal but now living in Guilford, attended with her mother and was among the newest British citizens. She said: “I was really excited, it’s my first time in Winchester and I really enjoyed it. I feel great as this is all my mother’s struggle; five years we’ve been here and now we are citizens.”

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Lady Edwina Grosvenor and Rear Admiral Iain Henderson.

Guests also enjoyed a performance from pupils from St Edmunds Catholic School in Portsmouth.

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