> the entire British system is super confusing and filled with technicalities and edge cases
On the front of my my first passport (issued in 1968) was the legend "BRITISH SUBJECT". Back then I could barely read, but even when older I didn't really notice it. A few years ago I ran across the passport in my parents' house and thanks to the web was able to look up what it meant: nothing. I apparently did "have" that status but it gave me no rights, privileges or even obligations. Just junk wording on the document.
This was an Australian passport. Though the passports no longer say that on the front, the Queen's name is still inside mine; I suspect that when I renew it in another six years her son's name will unfortunately appear inside.
Well, before 1983 it would have allowed you to automatically get voting status in the UK, run as an MP, become a PM, enlist in the Royal Armed Forces, and work in the HMCS.
This was done because of the mass emigration from the UK to Canada+Australia+NZ+ZA in the late 19th and 20th century.
You basically had full British nationality until the UK reformed the system in the 80s.
On the front of my my first passport (issued in 1968) was the legend "BRITISH SUBJECT". Back then I could barely read, but even when older I didn't really notice it. A few years ago I ran across the passport in my parents' house and thanks to the web was able to look up what it meant: nothing. I apparently did "have" that status but it gave me no rights, privileges or even obligations. Just junk wording on the document.
This was an Australian passport. Though the passports no longer say that on the front, the Queen's name is still inside mine; I suspect that when I renew it in another six years her son's name will unfortunately appear inside.