This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The five people were officially invested as British citizens in a private ceremony in the castle’s museum with welcome speeches given by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Major General Martin White, the High Sheriff for the Isle of Wight Ron Holland and chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Charles Chapman.
Citizenship ceremonies are usually held at County Hall in Newport, but this celebratory ceremony was held with special arrangement with English Heritage and Carisbrooke Castle. The castle itself dates back to Norman times.
The ceremony was arranged by the Isle of Wight Council’s register office with superintendent registrar Sharon Crews leading the ceremony with assistance from Janice Lord and Angela Ventress, both deputy superintendent registrars.
Shaped human rights
For the five citizens the ceremony was the final stage in becoming full British citizens and as part of the ceremony the residents were told about the value of the Magna Carta in today’s society and the how it has shaped democracy and human rights across the world.
They were presented with facsimiles of the Magna Carta as well as certificates confirming their new status as British citizens.
Following the ceremony there was a small reception with opportunities for photos with the attending dignitaries and for the citizens and their guests to explore the castle.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
