I just sent off my UKM application to the DC embassy on Jan 4, and got a reply from them on Jan 13 that it had been forwarded to Liverpool. Exciting!
A minor issue I had was that my dear old Mum had gotten rid of all her old British passports! But it turned out not to be a problem, because I informed them of this in a note, and included the birth certificate of her father. The embassy was satisfied with that.
Although they have recently waived the main application fee, there is still the consular fee of $140 ($128 to "format" your application for Liverpool, and $12 to mail back your original documents), and if successful, the ceremony fee of 80 pounds. But at least they got rid of the main 500 quid processing fee!
Good luck, and I'm looking forward to supporting the "Poms" the next time they play Australia for the Ashes!
