NANA AKUA: Why I’m thrilled by the invitation to pledge my ‘true allegiance’ to King Charles III

NANA AKUA: Why I’m thrilled by the invitation to pledge my ‘true allegiance’ to King Charles III

I am thrilled by the invitation to take the oath because the opportunity to pledge my ‘true allegiance’ to the King is a unique chance to take part in this historic occasion in a very personal way.

I can’t wait for Saturday, not least because I will be broadcasting live from Buckingham Palace for GB News in the afternoon. But I know that if I was at home, I’d be equally excited to stand in front of the TV and recite the words – from the heart, with my arms around my children.

This isn’t like taking the knee, or any other empty, here-today-gone-tomorrow gesture beloved of the virtue-signalling wokerati. Most of us roll our eyes at that sort of thing.

This is the Crown renewing its commitment to the British people and I’m delighted to return the favour in any small and humble way I can.

I am thrilled by the invitation to take the oath because the opportunity to pledge my ‘true allegiance’ to the King is a unique chance to take part in this historic occasion 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

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’m acutely aware of the special significance of the pledge.

My parents have a greater affection for this country – and the liberty that our constitution and its monarchy ensures – because they CHOSE to come here. For them, British citizenship didn’t come about as a result of an accident of birth that they take for granted.

I believe most from immigrant backgrounds will feel the same. So this pledge is a wonderful way to affirm our sense of belonging and celebrate our home.

It saddens me to think some people don’t appreciate that. Instead of taking the oath – if they’re watching the Coronation at all – they’ll be sat on their sofas, sulkily crossing their arms, muttering 101 reasons to hate Britain.

Of course, they have the freedom to do just that. But I’d urge anyone whose instinct is to reject this chance to think again. What is the alternative to the monarchy? A president? More politicians, more political division, more exclusion.

The Coronation will bring all of us together as a nation on Saturday. It’s putting the united into the United Kingdom. My voice will ring out with many others: ‘I swear that I will pay true allegiance!’