Gloucester City Council is asking members of the public and local businesses whether Gloucester should petition to be granted 'Royal City' status.

The title could help attract more visitors and tourists by drawing attention to the city's history and heritage.

If granted, Gloucester would become "The Royal City of Gloucester", like the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and most recently, Royal Wotton Bassett.

Gloucester Cathedral has strong links to royalty - the boy King Henry III was crowned in the city (when the cathedral was St Peter's Abbey) in 1216.

And in 1327, King Edward II who had died in Berkeley Castle (in suspicious and gruesome circumstances) was buried in the cathedral.

The cost of changing the status of the city would be minimal as signage and branding would only be updated as and when items need replacing. The only cost would be the time taken to put the bid together.

Cllr Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council and cabinet member for regeneration and economy, said: "It's really important that we hear from as many local residents and businesses as possible on this consultation.

"A petition for 'Royal City' status could really help transform the city's image and status, to complement the ongoing regeneration of Gloucester. Gloucester has so many historical royal connections that I believe we could put forward a strong case.

"There is, however, no guarantee that a petition would be successful and we would only want to do it if people in the city are behind the idea."

The consultation will begin on Friday 18th August and end on Saturday 30th September. An online version is available on the city council website www.gloucester.gov.uk/consultations

Hard copies can be collected from council buildings, local libraries and key locations across the city.

Should Gloucester be given royal status?