US actress Meghan Markle married into the British royal family with her wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle on 19 May. But she’ll still have to pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test if she is to become a British citizen.
Take the test below (article continues underneath).
SBS Europe Correspondent Ben Lewis, who is based in London, recently took the test and has some advice for the former Suits star.
I’m originally from Melbourne, but Britain has been my home for almost five years. Having worked consistently throughout, and paid a fair chunk of my income in taxes to the friendly folk at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, I’ll soon be able to apply for 'permanent leave to remain' in this delightfully wet and cold land.
Before paying a small fortune (thousands of pounds) for the privilege to apply though, I had to take the British citizenship test – known as the ‘Life in the UK’ test - the same one Meghan Markle will be subjected to at some stage following her wedding to Prince Harry.
How does the test work?
It's a multiple choice test, with 24 questions. Get 18 right and you pass, get 17 or fewer and you’ll be resitting the exam - and once again paying the fee to do so.
The topics were a mix of British history, law and bizarrely general trivia which will no doubt be useful at pub quiz nights.
I was certain I hadn’t studied for long enough. There’s a guidebook, which apparently contains the answers to every possible question. It’s quite lengthy, and since I hadn't crammed for a test since high school, just flicked through the pages while riding the tube and took a few online preparation tests.
My wife and I took our test at the Iranian Association of London, which seemed an odd venue. Apparently, like many things in this country, the testing has been outsourced and the friendly people at the Iranian Association had won the contract.
What kind of questions are there?
After our mobile phones were confiscated, we were led into what looked like an old internet café. There, you are given 45 minutes to get through the questions.
Some are a breeze for anyone who has spent some time in Britain, like this:
Where is the city of Swansea located?
- In England
- In Scotland
- In Wales
- In the Isle of Man
The answer, of course, is Wales.
Swansea located, UK. Source: Facebook/@swanseacitycouncil
Others really make sure wish you had paid attention during history class.
When did the Romans successfully invade Britain?
- 43AD
- 55BC
- 63BC
- 63AD
The answer is 43AD.
But many of the questions are simply there to make sure you have studied the book and have a firm grasp of the English language.
Some focus on British culture and sport, others on well-known figures from popular culture.
In the end, I scored a very easy bunch of questions and finished in less than five minutes - beating my wife by a few seconds, which I was very pleased about.
Looking around the room, there were several people who were clearly struggling and looking stressed. In 2016, 36 percent of the 125,925 tests taken scored a fail mark.
I had the benefit of being a native English speaker with a university education and employed in an industry which requires a lot of general knowledge. Many people don’t have those advantages.
Perhaps the least satisfying part of the process comes once it’s over when you’re told that you have passed, but not given your score.
For those with a competitive spirit, it’s a bit of a downer.
Where might Meghan get stuck?
Being American, Meghan Markle may need to learn a thing or two about the UK’s history and legal systems. But with the entire royal family on hand to help, she’s likely to be fine.
And if she fails, the Palace will make sure we never hear about it.
What’s more, the Life in the UK test is only part of the process.
It's likely Ms Markle will initially be on a family visa, which she may have already acquired.
Meghan Markle will have to take the Life in the UK Test as part of the process of becoming a British citizen. Source: AAP
She will need to have proven that her relationship with Prince Harry is real - although this is unlikely to be a challenge.
After living in the UK for five years she can apply for permanent residency. That’s when she’ll have to take the test, which costs £50 (AU$90.92).
Fancy your chances at the UK citizenship test? Take a practice Life in the UK test at the top of this article.
