After 180 years since it was declared an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, granted by Queen Victoria, Gibraltar joined the officially list of a British cities.
This British overseas territory applied to be granted city status earlier this year as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, but when the authorities examined the National Archives, kt was discovered that it had already been recognized as a city as far back as 1842, reports the BBC.
Gibraltar’s status as a city has been practically reconfirmed, which British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described as a “tremendous compliment” that celebrates the “rich history and dynamism” of the place.
“It’s great to see official recognition being given to the city of Gibraltar, a recognition of its rich history,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement, adding “This official recognition reaffirms Gibraltar’s special status in Her Majesty’s realm and rightly signifies the pride Gibraltarians feel for their community and specific heritage.”
In 1713, after the war, Spain ceded the strategically important Gibraltar to Britain, but for a long time it demanded its return. The idea of Britain sharing sovereignty with Spain was rejected in 2002 by 99 percent of voters in a referendum in Gibraltar.
