Not many monarchies remain in the world, and only 12 remain in Europe, making many wonder about the future of Britain’s royal upbringings. The death of Queen Elizabeth II is seen by many as a way to restructure and re-envision the monarchical role in a modern society by questioning its economic significance and importance in Britain’s parliamentary democracy. Many argue that the monarchy is merely a status symbol and that the Queen was nothing more than a figurehead, but the monarchy actually generates huge revenue for Britain and maintains the businesses of British brands.
Since King Charles III ascended the British throne, he is now king and head of state in many other independent countries that were once British colonies, called Commonwealth realms. The legacy of colonization has negative undertones in suppression, slavery, violence, and genocide. In the wake of the Queen’s death, many overseas territories want to have a discussion about the full impact of colonization and address how its negative impacts have been brushed aside and disregarded for much, if not all, of the Queen’s reign.
When the Queen entered her reign in 1952, Britain was still a booming Empire and undertaking colonization endeavors. Queen Elizabeth was a highly regarded and respected monarch, and her longevity helped her gain trust and loyalty within Commonwealth Realms. But with King Charles III taking over, these overseas territories remain somewhat “stuck in the middle”. Some see it as an opportunity to leave the monarchy, while others see it as a new way to pledge their allegiance.
While Commonwealth states have a head of government as well, the monarch does have some constitutional duties like approving new governments, formally approving legislation or appointing officials, and also has exceptional reserve powers to override the elected government (which has rarely happened). But, the question is: how much, if anything, will change in the Commonwealth realms that are now under Charles’ rule? Will he continue to rule as the Queen had? Many countries might move to strengthen republican movements and opt to leave the monarchy depending on the outcome.
The countries included in the Commonwealth realms are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Isalnds, and Tuvalu. A recent trend with Barbados replacing the monarch with a president as head of state in 2021, has predicted that many more countries will follow suit, especially now following the death of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. The Prime Minister of Antgigua and Barbuda said that the Queen’s death calls for a referendum on a republic within the next three years. And the New Zealand prime minister says it is likely to happen within her lifetime.
Could the death of a royal British symbol be the catalyst that these Commonwealth realms need to push out of monarchy? It certainly seems that many countries want to have the conversation, and at the very least, wish to reassess the tragic history of colonization. While countries are still in mourning for the Queen, with the official inauguration of Charles III likely to take place in 2023, it seems like the time to have a discussion is right around the corner. Many countries are looking to their future and assessing whether that be in recognition of his Royal Majesty, or not.
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