January 5 - Greenwich will be a Royal Borough when it hosts events during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics after it was told today that it will receive the honour as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in that year.



The London Borough has been chosen to receive the special  recognition becuase of the close links it has with Royalty, from the middle ages to the present day.

It also acknowledges the Borough’s global significance as home of the Prime Meridian, Greenwich Mean Time, the Cutty Sark (picture) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Confirmation of the royal status was made today in the House of Lords by Lord Mandelson, President of the Privy Council.

Council Leader, Chris Roberts, said: "Greenwich has always taken tremendous pride in the borough’s long history of royal connections with Greenwich, Woolwich and Eltham.

"They date back almost 600 years and continue strongly right up to the present day.

"I would like to thank everyone who has backed the borough to receive this honour over many years - especially our many partners in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site."

Nick Raynsford, the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, said: ”This is fantastic news for Greenwich and a well-merited recognition of the Borough’s substantial long-standing Royal connections.

"I am particularly delighted Greenwich’s royal title will come into effect in 2012, which coincides with the world-focus on the Borough with its hosting of 2012 Olympic events including the equestrian events and modern pentathlon in Greenwich Park, basketball and gymnastics in the O2, and shooting and paralympic archery at the historic Royal Artillery Barracks.”

There are currently three Royal Boroughs - Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston, and Windsor and Maidenhead.

Royal Borough status is awarded to boroughs which have a long association with the monarchy.

Conservative opposition spokesman for culture, Councillor Nigel Fletcher, said: "This is wonderful news, and a huge tribute to our great borough and the importance of its heritage.

"As the birthplace of Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I and with so many other royal links, it is truly appropriate we should be given this honour by the Queen, who amongst her many titles is also Lady Greenwich.

"We have repeatedly campaigned for our heritage and royal connections to be more properly celebrated by the Council, and I have often said royal borough status would be fitting.

“I am delighted it will now happen in 2012, when the eyes of the world will be on us for the Olympics.”

Britain will also be given four days off to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Mandelson announced.

The late May bank holiday will be moved to Monday, June 4,and an extra bank holiday will take place on Tuesday, June 5.

The four-day break will coincide with the final build-up to London hosting the Games.