Stanley in the Falkland Islands has applied for city status as part of the contest marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The full list of areas hoping to win the coveted title has been revealed with the final decision resting with Her Majesty.
She’ll be advised by a panel and ministers with the choices announced in the spring of 2022. Those applying were asked to show their area’s distinct identity and community and to outline the royal links it has already.
Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, has been able to enter the contest for the first time after new rules were introduced for the Platinum Jubilee, allowing towns in British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
As well as the Falklands, applications have been received from Gibraltar and from George Town in the Cayman Islands.
Two parts of the Isle of Man have applied for city status with Douglas and Peel entering the contest.
In total there are 22 applications from English towns, 8 from places in Scotland, 3 from Northern Ireland and one from Wales.
As the final list was confirmed by the Cabinet Office, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay, said ”city status is not only about local pride, it can deliver real levelling up benefits for businesses and the local area which is clear from the high number of applications.”
The Culture Secretary, Nadine Dorries, described the contest as ”a great way to mark Her Majesty’s 70 year reign.”
It’s not yet been confirmed how many towns will win city status. In addition, 12 areas have applied for the chance to have a Lord Mayor or Lord Provost. The decisions on that contest will be announced at the same time as the city status winners.
The Queen marks the 70th anniversary of her reign on February 6th 2022 and is expected to keep the day quietly at Windsor, as it is also the anniversary of the death of her father, King George VI. The main celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee take place between June 2nd and June 5th 2022.
