Colin Firth Becomes A Dual Italian & British Citizen Following Brexit

Colin Firth has accepted an honorary Italian citizenship, giving him dual Italian and British citizenship.

COLIN FIRTH BECOMES DUAL ITALIAN & BRITISH CITIZEN

Firth, 57, has been married to Italian environmentalist Livia Giuggioli for 20 years and his decision to apply for dual citizenship was a family decision. “Colin applied for dual citizenship in order to have the same passports as his wife and children,” his agent explained.

The decision could have also been made in response to the UK’s action to leave the European Union. Firth, and many other Brits, are upset about the move. “Brexit does not have a single positive aspect for me. Many colleagues, including Emma Thompson, are – like me – enthusiastic Europeans. And we still cannot believe it,” Firth said previously.

Since, the actor has released a statement about his citizenship decision. “A connection with Italy has existed for more than two decades now. I was married there and had two children born in Rome. My wife and I are both extremely proud of our own countries,” the statement reads. “We never really thought much about our different passports. But now, with some of the uncertainty around, we thought it sensible that we should all get the same. Livia is applying for a British passport. I will always be extremely British (you only have to look at or listen to me). Britain is our home and we love it here. Despite the enticements of my profession to relocate to more remunerative climes, I’ve always chosen to base my career out of the UK and pay my taxes here. That hasn’t changed. I married into Italy (and anyone will tell you when you marry an Italian you don’t just marry one person; you marry a family and perhaps an entire country…). Like almost everybody I have a passionate love of Italy and joining my wife and kids in being dual citizens will be a huge privilege.”

Firth’s announcement came mere hours after UK Prime Minister Theresa May gave a speech in Florence, in which she conceded that Britain would accept EU free movement, and stay in the single market for at least two years after the Brexit takes effect.

Firth and Giuggioli currently livein Chiswick, UK with their sons, but own a house in Italy near Cittá della Pieve. “The very famous actor, who won an Oscar for the film The King’s Speech, is married to a citizen from our country and has often declared his love for our land,” said the Italian interior ministry in Rome in excitement of the citizenship.