NANA AKUA: Why I’m so happy with the invitation to pledge my “true allegiance” to King Charles III

NANA AKUA: Why I’m so happy with the invitation to pledge my “true allegiance” to King Charles III

I am delighted with the invitation to take the oath, because the opportunity to swear my ‘true allegiance’ to the king is a unique opportunity to participate in this historic event in a very personal way.

I can’t wait for Saturday, not least because I’ll be broadcasting live from Buckingham Palace for GB News in the afternoon. But I know if I were home I’d be just as excited to stand in front of the TV and say the words – from the heart, with my arms around my kids.

This is not like taking the knee, or some other empty here-today-tomorrow gesture favored by the virtue-signaling wokerati. Most of us roll our eyes at things like that.

This is the Crown renewing its commitment to the British people and I am delighted to return the favor in any small and humble way I can.

I am delighted with the invitation to take the oath, because the chance to swear my ‘true allegiance’ to the king is a unique opportunity to participate in this historic event in a very personal way, writes MailOnline columnist Nana Akua

The public will be asked to swear their 'true allegiance' to the king and his heirs during the coronation

The public will be asked to swear their ‘true allegiance’ to the king and his heirs during the coronation

As a black Briton, born in Newcastle to parents who came to this country from West Africa, I am well aware of the special significance of the promise.

My parents have a greater affection for this country – and the freedom guaranteed by our Constitution and its monarchy – because they chose to come here. For them, British citizenship did not come about as a result of a birth accident that they take for granted.

I think most people with an immigrant background will feel the same way. So this pledge is a wonderful way to reaffirm our sense of belonging and celebrate our home.

It pains me to think that some people don’t appreciate that. Instead of taking the oath – if they watch the coronation at all – they will sit on their couches, fold their arms in a sulk and mumble 101 reasons to hate Britain.

Of course they have the freedom to do that. But I would urge anyone instinctively rejecting this opportunity to reconsider. What is the alternative to monarchy? A chairman? More politicians, more political division, more exclusion.

The coronation will bring us all together as a nation on Saturday. It brings the United in the United Kingdom. My voice will echo with many others: “I swear I will be faithful!”