Page 1 of 1

Explanation of the oath

Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:22 am
by lucid79
Hi,

I qualify for the citizenship for a couple of years now but the reason I have been hesitant in applying is that I am not sure about the meaning of the oath. It says:

I, [name], [swear by Almighty God] [do solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare] that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs, and successors, according to law.

Can someone please advise what does it mean to be "be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth...according to law"? What does the British law state in terms of obligations on an individual regarding faithfulness to the Queen when taking up nationality?

I have referred to the content available at http://www.royal.gov.uk/monarchuk/queen ... nment.aspx but I am not sure it is clear about the obligations of a British subject/national.

Thanks.

Posted: Sun Jul 14, 2013 11:27 am
by Amber
To follow the laws laid down. All laws must gain Royal Assent to become law. However, the Queen doesn't play any real role in law making. It's just a formality.

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 10:46 am
by lucid79
D4109125 wrote:To follow the laws laid down. All laws must gain Royal Assent to become law. However, the Queen doesn't play any real role in law making. It's just a formality.
Thanks for the response.

I appreciate that it is just a formality these days. However, the wording is such that it assumes a deeper commitment from the person taking the oath...I think. But I wasn't sure so I asked.

If it was a simple case of "...I'll abide by the laws of the country" or something similar, I wouldn't be concerned as that is something most of the people do already. But since it says something along the lines of being faithful and bear allegiance to the Queen and heirs, I haven't been able to convince myself of showing faithfulness to a person.

Any way, thanks again for your time. May be I am just reading too much into the wording.

Posted: Mon Jul 15, 2013 11:51 am
by Casa
You're reading too much into the wording. :roll: