After receiving the designation from Queen Victoria 180 years prior, Gibraltar may now formally refer to itself as a city.
As part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the British overseas territory submitted a request to become a city earlier this year.
However, when historians searched the National Archives, they discovered that it had previously been classified as one in 1842.
The Rock's status has now been renewed; according to Boris Johnson, this is "a significant accolade" honoring its "rich history and energy."
Since 1713, when it was given to Britain as part of a peace agreement following the War of the Spanish Succession, Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory.
Eight of the 39 locations that submitted applications for the Jubilee competition—including Doncaster, Bangor, and Dunfermline—were finally given the status of cities.
There are no specific criteria for granting city status; rather, the king decides on the recommendation of ministers. "City status" is frequently connected to having a cathedral, university, or significant population.
Although it seldom results in tangible advantages, it frequently gives towns a boost by placing them on the map, which is typically a source of pride for locals.
Although Gibraltar was initially awarded the title by Queen Victoria, the administration claimed that Gibraltar had been left off of official listings. However, it is unclear how this came to pass.
The list of the 81 locations designated as cities has just been revised.
One of only five territories recognized outside of the UK is Gibraltar. While Stanley in the Falkland Islands was among those designated for the Jubilee this year, other cities named for the Jubilee this year were Hamilton in Bermuda, Jamestown in Saint Helena, and Douglas on the Isle of Man.
Following the death of David Amess MP, who had served as the Southend West constituency's representative since 1997 and had long advocated for the matter, Southend in Essex was also given city status earlier this year.
"The places on this list are immensely rich in history and culture, and the locals of those areas are rightfully very delighted to have their city's significance put on paper," said Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse.
"I'm optimistic that residents of these locations, especially those in the new cities, will benefit from their country's improved international position and that it will draw more inbound investment for neighborhood companies."
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After receiving the designation from Queen Victoria 180 years prior, Gibraltar may now formally refer to itself as a city.
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