Southend-on-Sea given city status
Published 01/03/2022
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attended. an official council meeting to mark Southend-on-Sea becoming a City.
His Royal Highness, on behalf of The Queen, presented the 'Letters Patent' to confirm Southend's status as a city.
Southend was granted city status as a tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP, who championed for city status throughout his career.
Sir David was also posthumously awarded Freedom of the new created City, which was accepted by his wife, Lady Amess.
During the meeting, His Royal Highness gave a speech:
I pray that this new city of Southend-on-Sea will continue from strength to strength, honouring the memory and legacy of Sir David Amess - one of its greatest ambassadors - and inspired always by the example of his dedication to the community he loved.
Following the meeting, Their Royal Highnesses unveiled Southend-on-Sea’s new eco-friendly Pier Train, which has been named in after Sir David Amess MP.
The new battery powered train will help transport thousands of visitors each year along the longest pleasure Pier in the world.
The Prince and Duchess also had a chance to meet many members of the local community who had turned up to celebrate their town's new status as a city.
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