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
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!”