The Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London on June 11th at a ceremony held at Guildhall.
His Excellency, now a Citizen of London, accepted the Freedom as a recognition of the enduring bond of friendship between Antigua and Barbuda, the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.
The ceremony was officiated by the Remembrancer and Chief of Protocol of the City of London in the presence of a distinguished company, including the Governor-General’s spouse, Lady Williams, civic officials and the High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill.
The presentation was followed by a private lunch hosted by the Remembrancer.
The Freedom of the City of London has existed since 1237 and has been presented ever since to merchants, members of livery companies and others with strong links to the City.
The Freedom has been presented to many distinguished figures throughout history and the ceremony is one of the oldest continuing traditions in the United Kingdom.