Meghan Markle: Expert discusses Princess Diana’s statue unveiling

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason became the first Black winner of the prestigious BBC Young Musician Award in 2016, and went on to play at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding in 2018. The professional cellist, 22, also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2015 alongside his siblings. But Mr Kanneh-Mason had a shock yesterday when he found his passport had been revoked by the Home Office.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Nottingham, announced the news on Facebook, where he said the Home Office had cancelled his passport with “no explanation or assistance”.

He said he had sent off his British passport as part of an application for an additional passport to assist with applications for visas and international work permits.

But Mr Kanneh-Mason, whose father is Antiguan and mother is from Sierra Leone, said his original passport, which had an expiry date of 2029, had been returned cancelled.

He wrote: “Applied for an additional British passport with the approval of Home Office to assist with applications for visas and international work permits in this post Brexit Covid world along with my sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason.

“Appointments 15 minutes apart, identical paperwork submitted.

“She receives original passport and second one within a week.

“Mine comes back cancelled 10 June (expiry 2029).

“Since then, despite constant calls I have NO explanation, NO forthcoming assistance and NO way of playing the engagements I am contracted to play.

“Ideas appreciated asap.”

JUST IN: Royal Family LIVE: Meghan Markle sends fans coded message about Harry

After the post started to gain traction, with members of the music community angered by the news, the UK’s Passport Office opted to reverse the decision.

A source close to the cellist revealed to The Strad: “With all of the high-profile comments, the passport office finally direct-messaged Sheku on Twitter.

“Early this evening they reissued the passport and couriered it over to his flat.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with Mr Kanneh-Mason to resolve this situation and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

DON’T MISS:
POLL: Should Meghan attend unveiling of Diana statue with Harry? [VOTE]
Queen ‘not as excited’ by Prince Philip’s sweet gesture to Lady Louise [DETAILS]
Princess Anne looks glamorous for rare night out [INSIGHT]

“A replacement passport will be issued as soon as possible.”

On Thursday morning the department issued a second statement saying it was a mistake and Kanneh-Mason has been issued with a replacement passport.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We apologise to Mr Kanneh-Mason for any inconvenience caused as a result of this incident, which was due to human error.

“We have now issued him with a replacement passport.”

At Meghan and Harry’s wedding Mr Kanneh-Mason performed three pieces: Paradis’ Sicilienne, Faure’s Apres un reve, and Schubert’s Ave Maria.

Two of them were his own recommendations and the last was a request from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex themselves.

He said playing at the royal wedding was “such an awesome moment”.

Source: Read Full Article