How Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Could Prompt The Countries Of The Former British Empire To Reconsider The Monarchy

 
How Queen Elizabeth II’s Death Could Prompt The Countries Of The Former British Empire To Reconsider The Monarchy

Following the Caribbean nation's confirmation of King Charles III as its new sovereign following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, its prime minister stated Saturday that a referendum might be held to make Antigua and Barbuda a republic and remove the British monarch as its head of state.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne told ITV, "This is a topic that ought to be put to a referendum for the people to decide." The king is not being disrespected in any way, and there is no animosity between Antigua & Barbuda and the monarchy in this act.

During his next term in government, according to Browne, who is up for reelection next year, he will offer the referendum.

He said that a referendum will take place "probably in the next three years" and described it as the "last stage to complete the circle of independence to become a really autonomous nation."

Outside of the United Kingdom, 14 nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, which attained independence in 1981, continue to be ruled by the British monarch. The head of the monarchy plays a mostly symbolic function in these Commonwealth Realms, a relic of the British Empire.

The Commonwealth Realms are separate from the other nations that make up the Commonwealth of Nations, which is made up of a large number of former British colonies that now have republican governments.

The passing of the Queen may spark a fresh round of efforts to create republics in the other Commonwealth Realms.

Andrew Holness, the prime minister of Jamaica, said in March that he would break with the British monarchy. Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, has previously expressed her belief that her nation will become a republic during her lifetime. Even though Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has long urged his country to reject the British monarchy.