Somerset's Own: Kari-Ann Moller's fight for UK settlement amidst Brexit fallout
Kari-Ann Moller, the Norwegian model famous for gracing the cover of Roxy Music's 1972 album and now a yoga teacher, finds herself amidst a Brexit-induced bureaucratic tangle.
She lives just outside of Glastonbury, is married to Chris Jagger, the brother of the legendary Rolling Stone's frontman, Sir Mick Jagger. She is now facing potential displacement despite having lived in the UK for 74 years.
Moller, who hails from Arendal, Norway, was stopped by British immigration officials at Bristol airport earlier this year due to her Norwegian passport. After an hour she was reportedly released and told that she could remain for three months and that she could apply for EU settled status.
Despite Norway not being an EU member state, Norwegians in the UK were required to apply to the EU settlement scheme post-Brexit to continue residing in the UK.
Enter Chris Jagger, who came to his wife's aid uniquely.
In a letter to the Times, he revealed that he had uploaded a picture of the iconic Roxy Music album featuring Moller on the cover to support her settlement application. The 1972 album showcases Moller resplendent in satin frills, serving as a memorable snapshot of her extensive UK residency.
The couple, who married 44 years ago, have five sons and 14 grandchildren. Their contribution to UK culture is significant, from Moller's modelling days and Yoga teaching to Jagger's musical pursuits.
Yet, Moller finds herself at risk of not being able to return if she leaves the UK.
She expressed her frustration and disbelief to The Times, stating that the situation is an "absolute nightmare."
Jagger echoed his wife's sentiments, calling Brexit a "disaster" and highlighting the unnecessary burden on government departments.
In a twist of irony, Moller, who moved to Cornwall with her British mother as an infant, only got her Norwegian passport at 17 for a modelling assignment in New York. Yet, now she faces the possibility of displacement from the country she's called home for seven decades.
A Home Office official said: "Border Force officers routinely carry out passport checks on passengers arriving in the UK. We are in contact with Ms Jagger and assisting her.".
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