Eleanor Finch
There are several island nations with constitutional monarchies. The United Kingdom, Japan, and the Solomon Islands are examples of such nations. The Solomon Islands, for instance, gained independence in 1978 and became a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The role of the monarch in such nations is primarily symbolic, with the majority of constitutional roles delegated to a governor-general.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Example Island Nations with a Constitutional Monarchy | The United Kingdom, Japan, and Barbados (until 2021) |
| Current Monarch of the Solomon Islands | King Charles III |
| Monarch's Constitutional Role | Delegated to the Governor-General |
| Royal Succession | Governed by the English Act of Settlement of 1701 |
| Monarch's Power | Immunity from some taxation or restrictions on property use |
| Sovereign immunity | |
| Royal prerogative | |
| Monarch's Role | Visible symbol of national unity |
| Gives royal assent to legislation | |
| Dissolves parliament |
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What You'll Learn
- The United Kingdom and Japan are examples of island nations with constitutional monarchies
- The Solomon Islands is an independent constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state
- Barbados was a constitutional monarchy in the Commonwealth of Nations until 2021
- Papua New Guinea is a constitutional monarchy that gained independence in 1975
- New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a unique, distinctly New Zealand institution
The United Kingdom and Japan are examples of island nations with constitutional monarchies
The United Kingdom, comprising Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is a constitutional monarchy with a rich history. The current monarch, King Charles III, ascended the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The UK's monarchy has evolved over the centuries, with the monarch's role becoming increasingly ceremonial. While the monarch retains certain powers, such as the royal prerogative and sovereign immunity, the country is predominantly governed by an elected Parliament and Prime Minister.
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is also a constitutional monarchy. The Japanese monarchy, known as the Imperial Family or the Yamato Dynasty, is considered the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world. The current monarch, or Emperor, is Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019 following the abdication of his father, Akihito. The Emperor's role is largely ceremonial and includes performing various rituals and duties as prescribed by the Constitution.
Both the United Kingdom and Japan have unique constitutional frameworks that define the role and powers of their respective monarchs. While the UK's monarchy has a long history of evolution and adaptation, Japan's monarchy has remained relatively stable and traditional. Nonetheless, both nations share the common feature of a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch serves as a symbolic figurehead while the government is carried out by elected officials.
In addition to the United Kingdom and Japan, there have been other island nations with constitutional monarchies, including Barbados, which was a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations from its independence in 1966 until 2021, and the Solomon Islands, which became an independent constitutional monarchy in 1978 with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
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The Solomon Islands is an independent constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state
The Solomon Islands were once a British protectorate, achieving independence as a republic in 1978. The country's name was changed from the 'British Solomon Islands Protectorate' to the 'Solomon Islands' in 1975, with self-government achieved in 1976. The Legislative Assembly's original draft constitution provided for the country to become a republic one year after independence, unless a two-thirds majority in the national parliament voted to retain the monarchy. Negotiations between Solomons leaders and the British government resulted in a final draft constitution that omitted references to a republic, allowing the country to become an independent constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.
As a constitutional monarchy, the Solomon Islands has a parliamentary system of government similar to other Commonwealth realms. The monarch and head of state is King Charles III, who holds a unique Solomon Island title and uses national symbols such as the country's flag and unique royal symbols when acting in public as a representative of the Solomon Islands. The current monarch is officially titled the 'King of Solomon Islands' and undertakes public and private functions as a representative of the country, both domestically and abroad. While the King is the only member of the royal family with a constitutional role, the monarch is advised solely by Solomon Island ministers on matters concerning the Solomon Islands.
The governor-general of the Solomon Islands is appointed by the King on the advice of the prime minister and represents the monarchy in the country. The governor-general must be a citizen of the Solomon Islands and is typically appointed for a term of up to five years. The prime minister is elected by parliament and chooses the other members of the cabinet, who collectively form the body vested with executive power. The governor-general also appoints the chief justice of the Supreme Court on the advice of the prime minister and leader of the opposition. The unicameral National Parliament has 50 members, who are elected for a four-year term in single-seat constituencies.
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Barbados was a constitutional monarchy in the Commonwealth of Nations until 2021
A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as a sovereign head of state within the parameters of a written or unwritten constitution. While the monarch may hold formal authority and the government may operate in their name, they do not personally set public policy or choose political leaders. Instead, the monarch serves as a symbol of national unity and may hold ceremonial powers, such as dissolving parliament or providing royal assent to legislation.
Barbados was a constitutional monarchy and a Commonwealth realm until 2021, when it became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1966, becoming a sovereign state with an independent constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II was the country's monarch, represented by a governor-general. However, republican movements had been active in Barbados for decades, and in 2020, the Barbados Labour Party government announced its intention to transition to a republic by November 2021. On November 30, 2021, 55 years after gaining independence, Barbados abolished the monarchy and became a republic, with Sandra Mason as its first president.
The decision to become a republic was influenced by a desire to leave behind the country's colonial past and shift towards self-governance. Barbados was one of several former British colonies in the Caribbean and Africa that became constitutional monarchies within the Commonwealth after independence. Other examples include South Africa (1910-1961), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) (1948-1972), and Trinidad and Tobago (1962-1976). These countries eventually transitioned to republican forms of government, with an elected president as the head of state.
While Barbados is now a republic, it has chosen to maintain its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, which includes a mix of monarchies and republics. The transition in Barbados is unique, however, as it is the first country to cease being a Commonwealth realm and remain a member without having to reapply for Commonwealth membership. This reflects an evolution in the Commonwealth's rules, allowing for smoother transitions and continued collaboration among its members.
The move towards republicanism in Barbados sparked mixed reactions. Some Barbadians expressed sadness and shock at the change, as the Queen was considered highly appreciated by many. There were also concerns about the timing of the transition and the lack of a direct referendum on the decision. Nonetheless, the transition ceremony was attended by the Prince of Wales, who represented the Queen and marked the first time a member of the royal family witnessed a Commonwealth realm becoming a republic.
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Papua New Guinea is a constitutional monarchy that gained independence in 1975
On 16 September 1975, Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. It became a constitutional monarchy with its own monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who was invited by the Constituent Assembly to become the head of state. The country's constitution vests executive authority in the Crown, to be executed by the head of state or the governor-general as the monarch's representative. The monarch's role is primarily symbolic and cultural, serving as a symbol of the legal authority under which the government and agencies operate.
The monarchy of Papua New Guinea is a system of government where a hereditary monarch acts as the head of state. The current monarch is King Charles III, who is also the head of state of the Commonwealth realms, of which Papua New Guinea is one. The monarch is represented in the country by the governor-general of Papua New Guinea, who is elected by parliament and formally appointed by the monarch. The governor-general's roles and powers are outlined in the Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
The Constitution of Papua New Guinea grants the Crown the power to appoint a prime minister, who then heads the National Executive Council and advises the head of state and the governor-general on the exercise of the Crown's executive powers. The National Parliament has 111 seats, 22 of which are occupied by the governors of the 22 provinces and the National Capital District. The prime minister of Papua New Guinea is elected by the National Parliament, while the other ministers are appointed by the governor-general based on the prime minister's advice.
Papua New Guinea is a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy, where the power to govern is entrusted by the head of state to a democratically elected government that is responsible to parliament. The country's "underlying law" is based on the principles and rules of English common law as it stood on the date of independence, as well as the subsequent decisions of its own courts. The judicial branch of the government in Papua New Guinea has maintained its independence, with successive executive governments respecting its authority.
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New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a unique, distinctly New Zealand institution
The role of the monarchy in New Zealand is a recurring topic of public discussion. The country's constitution declares that "The Sovereign in right of New Zealand is the head of state of New Zealand, and shall be known by the royal style and titles proclaimed from time to time". The King's constitutional roles have been largely delegated to a governor-general, whom he appoints on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general carries out the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties, including opening Parliament and reading the Speech from the Throne.
New Zealand's monarchy has a number of unique features. For example, the King of New Zealand is legally considered a distinct monarch from the monarch of the United Kingdom, despite the two countries sharing the same individual as their monarch. This distinction was established by the Statute of Westminster, which introduced the concept of legally and constitutionally distinct sovereigns.
In addition, New Zealand has a native people, the Māori, who have their own monarch, the Māori King Movement, which arose in the 1850s. The Māori monarch operates in a non-constitutional capacity and has no legal or judicial power within the New Zealand government. However, reigning monarchs retain the position of paramount chief of several iwi and wield some power within these tribes, especially within the Tainui iwi.
Overall, while New Zealand's monarchy shares some similarities with other constitutional monarchies, it has evolved to become a distinctly New Zealand institution, with its own unique symbols, history, and cultural context.
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Frequently asked questions
Examples of island nations with constitutional monarchies include the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Solomon Islands.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch typically serves as the titular head of state and a symbol of national unity. While they may hold formal authority and powers such as dissolving parliament or granting royal assent to legislation, they do not personally set public policy or choose political leaders.
In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch serves as the head of state, while in a republic, this role is typically held by a president. The monarch in a constitutional monarchy may have limited powers and is often subject to constitutional principles or conventions, whereas a republic typically grants greater power to its elected representatives.
