British King Charles, succeeding his mother Elizabeth, has become not only the head of state of the United Kingdom, but also fourteen other countries. In Australia, Canada and New Zealand, among others, the prime minister is the head of government, but is KingCharles officially the head of state. Why is that? And for how long?
Legally speaking, the British monarch is the head of state of a total of fifteen independent countries, including, of course, the United Kingdom. That title is hereditary, so Charles inherited it from his mother, who died last week. In addition to the United Kingdom, fourteen other countries are involved, all former colonies of the British Empire.
Today there is no longer a British Empire, but a Commonwealth. That is an alliance of countries that once belonged to the British Empire. All countries within the Commonwealth are “free and equal” according to the charter, and therefore independent. But when the Commonwealth was founded, it was established that the British monarch was the head of state of all member countries.
Since then, Commonwealth countries have been able to choose whether or not to keep the British monarch as head of state. In November, for example, the Caribbean island of Barbados said goodbye to Elizabeth as head of state after 55 years. Since then it has been a republic with its own president, although it remains a member of the Commonwealth.
Why do countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand keep the British monarch as head of state? “A lot of people see it as a tradition and people love it,” says royal family expert Justine Marcella. “The royal house provides a common identity. There are many people who see it as a connecting factor. As long as that group remains large enough, there is not a majority to depose the British king as head of state.”
Anand Menon, Professor of International Relations at King’s College London, talks to The morning that economic reasons also play a role. “Because of what we can still offer them, I don’t see much of a change in that at the moment.” In recent years, the emphasis within the Commonwealth seems to have shifted more from economic interests to issues such as human rights or sustainability.
The head of state has no power, only ceremonial duties
Marcella also points out that the monarchy no longer has any political influence. “It’s not like before, when a monarch decided everything. The position now is purely ceremonial.” For example, Elizabeth appears on money and stamps in countries where she was officially head of state.
A possible discussion about whether or not to arrest the British monarch is not a priority in many member countries. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (42) said Monday that she is convinced that her country will no longer have the British monarch as head of state during her lifetime. She immediately added that her government will not discuss it under any circumstances, because she “doesn’t feel the urgency.”
Still, the first change of the British throne in seventy years seems to be the moment for countries to reconsider the position of the head of state. “The queen’s death could reopen debates in some countries about whether they still want the monarch as head of state,” Menon said. The morning. “Some of the non-European emerging powers are a bit frustrated with the organization.”
“Elizabeth’s thought was: we’re not going to knock her off the throne. Now that she’s passed away, it’s time to evaluate that in terms of time,” Marcella also thinks. Currently, Belize, Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis have The plan not recognize Carlos as head of state.
Charm offensive with William and Catherine
According to Marcella, “out of respect for the recently deceased queen and the still grieving Carlos” it will be some time before the argument really breaks out. “At the moment, the countries are connected by common pain. But that fades over time, and then it becomes interesting how the discussion unfolds.”
“Elizabeth was always a symbol,” says Marcella. “But due to her advanced age, she no longer made any trips herself. That can be difficult for people: you have a head of state, but you never see her. With Carlos, the head of state happens again. Perhaps that visibility will rekindle the love for the royal family, rather than argument.”
When Charles visits the countries where he is now head of state, it would be wise to take Crown Prince William and his wife Catherine with him. Marcella: “They are more popular than him and therefore very suitable for a charm offensive. It also gives a sense of continuity: the successor is already ready.” If that’s enough, time will tell.
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