A pharmacist from Andover, granted an ancient award called the ‘Freedom of the City of London’, said he was shocked and delighted when he found out.

Mr Dajani explained: "The invitation came out of the blue, I didn’t expect it at all, it was quite a shock when this letter written on parchment arrived in the post inviting me to attend court!”

Members of Mr Dajani's family joined him for the ceremony which took place last month at the London Guildhall. “It’s steeped in tradition”, he said: “I feel very honoured when I think I’m following in the footsteps of Nelson, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and others, it’s very humbling to be part of this ancient and formal ceremony.“

(Image: Mr Dajani) The tradition dates back to 1237 and was originally a way to designate a ‘free man’ or ‘citizen’ to be protected by the City of London charter and not under the jurisdiction of a feudal lord.

Today Olympian athletes, particularly those with a London connection are more likely to be invited to accept the honour. 

READ MORE: Pictures of all the winners at Pride of Andover Awards

Mr. Dajani was nominated through The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, which originated in the City’s medieval trade guilds, one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London.

He explained: "Today the Freedom is largely symbolic, but in years gone by the honor allowed people to take their sheep over London Bridge!"

No stranger to receiving awards, in 2014 Mr Dajani was voted Britain’s ‘Best Pharmacist’ and is the most recent recipient of the local ‘Attitude for Gratitude’ Community Award.  

During the pandemic, he volunteered as a clinical lead and vaccinator for four COVID-19 centers, including The Lights and the Chantry Centre in Andover.

A regular sponsor of the Abel Foundation, Pride of Andover Awards, the Jamie G Trust, Frontline Children, and other local charities Mr Dajani has also starred in TV shows such as ‘Save Money; Good Health’. 

The Guild of Freemen of the City of London is an association of individuals who hold the Freedom of the City of London. It aims to unite Freemen for charitable, educational, and social endeavors.

With approximately 2,000 members, the Guild organizes a range of events, such as dinners, musical and cultural activities, and an annual banquet.