@LAD
Thank you so much for all the information. Hugely helpful in managing my stress levels! I’ll bring both DS-11 and DS-64 as you advise when I go next week so thanks for that tip! Plus all the other documentation that they probably won’t ask for and I already have some printed US-sized passport photos ready to go. Like you, I keep my US drivers license up to date with a US address for just these situations. Shame about my current passport automatically being cancelled, mainly for extremely vain reasons – it’s far and away the most flattering passport photo I’ve ever had or ever will have and I regularly get compliments on it (LOLs, oh well…).
I’m not even sure it’s worth the hassle of the daily hounding the HMPO for my original back. Sounds like it has has never actually helped expedite anyone’s situation?! Such a shambles. I’m already dreading renewing the dang thing 10 years from now, although I’ve vowed to never give them my US passport again and only send photocopies which I saw in asterisked small print somewhere that they will accept in extenuating circumstances if you explain why absolutely necessary. Probably unlikely for 1st adult passport, but hopefully ok for renewals, worth a shot anyways if applying WELL (like 6+ months) in advance.
I’ll update on this forum if/when I ever do get my original US passport and naturalisation certificate back as I know the info is very useful to all of us in this ridiculous situation.
Thanks all!