Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, has been confirmed as one of 39 applicants being considered for city status as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year.
The competition for this prestigious civic honour has been expanded, for the first time, to include British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.
City status is granted by the monarch and is not necessarily linked to the presence of a cathedral or a university, although Stanley does have the former – Christ Church Cathedral was built between 1890-1892.
2022 will also be the 40th anniversary of the 1982 Falklands War, with many commemorations already planned.
In a statement provided by the Falkland Islands Government, Andy Keeling, Chief Executive of the Falkland Islands, said “It really would be an incredible honour to receive this accolade as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”
“We are not purely a nation of penguins and public-spirited people, but a forward-thinking country that has a part to play within the global community as a business destination, international tourist haven and environmental partner.”
The final decision will be taken in 2022, during the (northern hemisphere) spring, and announced shortly afterwards as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
