His Majesty King Michael I, the King of Romania, has beenawarded the Freedom of the City of London, as part of four days" oftributes and public events in Bucharest to mark his reign andcelebrate his 90th birthday.

Sir Gavyn Arthur and Alderman Nick Anstee, two former LordMayors of the City of London, nominated His Majesty for theFreedom.

His Majesty signed the Freemen"s ledger in the Chamberlain"sCourt at the Guildhall, after hearing the Declaration of a Freeman.

Afterwards, he was greeted as a 'Citizen of London" by MurrayCraig, the Clerk of the Chamberlain"s Court, and presented with hisframed parchment certificate.

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade; and today,people are nominated for, or apply for, the Freedom, because itoffers them a link with the historic City of London and one of itsancient traditions. It is also offered to individuals by the Cityof London Corporation to pay tribute to their outstandingcontribution to London life or help celebrate a significantachievement.