This morning, residents across Milton Keynes woke up to the exciting news that we have officially been crowned a city. But what does it mean for us?
The successful bid comes after three previous applications over the last 22 years. In 2000, an application was submitted for the millennium - then again in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee, and 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee.
38 towns in total applied for the civic honour, which is being crowned to several applicants as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Back in December of last year, Milton Keynes sent its bid in typical MK fashion- by Starship robot!
Eight places won the royal honour this year ahead of the Jubilee weekend, the highest number of awards in a single competition.
But what does city status ACTUALLY mean for MK?
With 8 new places receiving city status, it takes the total number of UK cities to 78 - meaning that Milton Keynes is one of a small number of actual, recgonised cities.
The idea that a city needs to have a cathedral is a really common misconception, there are actually many cities without one! Birmingham was the first town without a cathedral to become a city, in 1889. The only requirement is that its status is granted by the monarch.
The main thing that comes with being a city, is a sense of pride and validation. As the MK Council Leader said: "I think this is a validation for the city and for all those children and adults who were born here and brought up here and everybody that knows what a great place it is and how we can now say we are from the city of Milton Keynes."
It is also a huge boost for tourism, and as a result, the economy.
Research shows that Perth, which was granted city status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, has reaped the full benefits, with the local economy expanding by 12% in the decade it was granted city status.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "City Status is a huge accolade and I congratulate our eight brilliant winners. This competition showcases the best of Britain and the Overseas Territories and will act as a lasting legacy of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee."
