New citizens pledge allegiance to the King for the first time, following the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The first British Citizenship ceremony has taken place in Wiltshire following the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which saw new citizens pledge allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III for the very first time.

The ceremony took place at County Hall, Trowbridge and saw 10 new citizens confirmed. The event was supported by Deputy Lieutenant Mr Patrick Wintour as the King's representative, and the Mayor of Trowbridge Cllr Graham Hill. A Citizenship Ceremony marks the final part of the process of becoming a new British citizen.

At the ceremony, each citizen had to repeat the words of the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to His Majesty, which includes the follow statement: "I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, his heirs and successors, according to law". At the completion of the ceremony, the national anthem, God Save the King, was played.

Cllr Ashley O'Neill, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Governance, said: "This ceremony would have of course been memorable for the new citizens regardless of the circumstances, but pledging allegiance to the new King at a time of hugely historical significance for this country would have made this an even more special experience.

"We wish the new citizens and their families all the very best for the future."

For more information about citizenship ceremonies, people should visit our citizenship page.