Presentation of the Keys of the City

It is a traditional part of the Mayor Making Ceremony that the keys of the Fortress of Portsmouth are returned into the safe keeping of the city. This is in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty The Queen, on the understanding that, should Her Majesty visit Portsmouth the Keys are to be returned to the Senior Army Commander for presentation to the Sovereign, and on other occasions as required by tradition.

The Keys of the City of Portsmouth are held by The Senior Royal Engineer Officer at The Defence Diving School.