Monarchy of Antigua and Barbuda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Antigua and Barbuda |
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| Incumbent | |
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| Charles III since 8 September 2022 |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | Prince William, Duke of Cambridge |
| First monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Formation | 1 November 1981 |
| Residence | Government House, St. John's |
The monarchy of Antigua and Barbuda is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Antigua and Barbuda. The current Antiguan and Barbudan monarch and head of state, since the independence of Antigua and Barbuda on 1 November 1981, is the King of the United Kingdom, which currently is Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Crown of Antigua and Barbuda. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Antigua and Barbuda and, in this capacity, he and other members of the Royal Family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Antigua and Barbuda. However, the King is the only member of the Royal Family with any constitutional role.
All executive authority is vested in the monarch, and royal assent is required for the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda to enact laws and for letters patent and Orders in Council to have legal effect. Most of the powers are exercised by the elected members of parliament, the ministers of the Crown generally drawn from amongst them, and the judges and justices of the peace. Other powers vested in the monarch, such as the appointment of a prime minister, are significant but are treated only as reserve powers and as an important security part of the role of the monarchy.
The Crown today primarily functions as a guarantor of continuous and stable governance and a nonpartisan safeguard against the abuse of power. While some powers are exercisable only by the sovereign, most of the monarch's operational and ceremonial duties are exercised by his representative, the governor-general of Antigua and Barbuda.
Images for kids
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Queen Elizabeth II on a 1968 Antiguan stamp
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Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams with EU ambassador Daniela Tramacere, 2017
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Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda
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Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack conferring honours at the Independence Day Parade, 2009
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A plaque commemorating the planting of a palm tree by Elizabeth II in 1966 at Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua
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The star of the Order of Princely Heritage of Antigua and Barbuda featuring St Edward's Crown
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Queen Elizabeth II Highway in Antigua and Barbuda
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Antigua meter stamp featuring St Edward's Crown
