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 | William, Prince of Wales |
| First monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Formation | 1 November 1981 |
The monarchy of Antigua and Barbuda is a special way of governing where a monarch (a king or queen) is the official leader and head of state. This role is passed down through their family. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the King of Antigua and Barbuda. He represents the "Crown" of Antigua and Barbuda.
Even though King Charles III is also the monarch for 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate. This means he is officially called the King of Antigua and Barbuda when he acts for this country. He and other members of the Royal Family do public and private duties as representatives of Antigua and Barbuda. However, only the King has a role in the country's laws.
The King has all the main powers of the government. For new laws to pass, the King's approval (called royal assent) is needed. But most of these powers are used by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. Some powers, like being able to remove a prime minister, are very important but are only used in special situations. These are called "reserve powers."
Today, the Crown helps make sure the government runs smoothly and fairly. It acts as a protector against anyone trying to use too much power. While the King can do some things himself, most of his duties are carried out by his representative in the country, the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda.
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How the Monarchy Started
The island of Antigua was explored by Christopher Columbus in 1493. It became a British colony in 1632. The island of Barbuda was first settled by the British in 1678.
In 1736, an enslaved man named Prince Klaas was named King of the Black Antiguans. This happened during an African ceremony in Saint John's. White slave owners thought it was just a simple event. But Prince Klaas was actually planning a rebellion. He wanted to make Antigua an independent country ruled by Africans. His plan was to blow up a gunpowder barrel at a ball for King George II. This would signal enslaved Africans to attack all white people. Prince Klaas hoped to become the new King of Antigua. However, his plan failed because someone revealed it. Despite this, Prince Klaas is still seen as a national hero in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua and Barbuda was part of the British Leeward Islands from 1871. Then, it joined the West Indies Federation in 1958. When that federation broke up, it became one of the West Indies Associated States in 1967. The country gained full independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981. Antigua and Barbuda became a sovereign state and an independent country with a king or queen, within the Commonwealth of Nations.
Princess Margaret represented her sister, Queen Elizabeth II, at the independence celebrations in St John's. She welcomed Antigua and Barbuda to the Commonwealth. Thousands of people cheered for the Queen and the prime minister. Wilfred Jacobs became the first Governor-General, representing the Queen. Princess Margaret gave the official papers of independence to Prime Minister Vere Bird. She also opened the new Parliament building and read a speech from the Queen.
The Crown of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is one of fifteen independent countries called Commonwealth realms. These countries share the same monarch. But the monarch's role in Antigua and Barbuda is completely separate from his role in any other country. Even though they share the same person as their monarch, each Commonwealth realm is independent. In Antigua and Barbuda, the monarch is represented by a viceroy, who is the Governor-General.
Since Antigua and Barbuda became independent in 1981, the Crown has been both shared and separate. The monarch's role as King of Antigua and Barbuda is different from his role as monarch of the United Kingdom. This means the monarchy is no longer just a British thing. It has become an Antiguan and Barbudan institution.
This difference is shown in several ways. For example, the King has a special Antiguan and Barbudan title. When he acts for Antigua and Barbuda, he uses the country's national symbols, like its national flag. Also, only Antiguan and Barbudan government ministers can advise the King on matters related to Antigua and Barbuda.
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In Antigua and Barbuda, the government is officially called "His Majesty in Right of Antigua and Barbuda."
The King's Title
In 1981, the Royal Titles Act allowed Queen Elizabeth II to have a special title for Antigua and Barbuda. From February 11, 1982, her official title was: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Antigua and Barbuda and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Now that King Charles III is monarch, his title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Antigua and Barbuda and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
This title shows that Antigua and Barbuda is an independent monarchy. It highlights the King's specific role as the leader of Antigua and Barbuda. It also shows that the Crown is shared with other Commonwealth realms. When the King is in Antigua and Barbuda, or doing duties for the country abroad, he is usually called "King of Antigua and Barbuda."
Promise of Loyalty
People in important roles make a promise of loyalty (an oath of allegiance) to the monarch. This is because the monarch promises to govern the people of their realms fairly, according to their laws.
The oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda is:
"I, (name), do swear that I will faithfully bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. So help me God."
Who Becomes King or Queen Next?
Antigua and Barbuda follows the laws of the United Kingdom to decide who will be the next monarch.
The rules for who becomes monarch are set by laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. These laws say that only direct, legitimate descendants of Sophia of Hanover can become monarch. They also state that the monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic. The monarch must also be a member of the Church of England. Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom cannot change these rules without all the other Commonwealth realms agreeing. This is like a special agreement between these countries.
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When a monarch dies or steps down, the next person in line immediately becomes the new monarch. There is no need for a special ceremony first. A period of mourning usually follows. Flags across the country are flown at half-mast to honor the late monarch. The day of the funeral might become a public holiday. The Governor-General usually announces the new monarch publicly at Government House in St John's.
The King's Role in Government
Antigua and Barbuda's government system is similar to other Commonwealth realms. It follows a mix of laws and traditions. All government powers belong to the monarch. The Governor-General represents the monarch in the country. The monarch appoints the Governor-General based on the advice of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. As head of state, the monarch is the highest-ranking person in Antigua and Barbuda.
The King and the Governor-General have roles that are both legal and practical. The government of Antigua and Barbuda is formally called His Majesty's Government in Antigua and Barbuda.
The many powers of the Crown are known as the Royal Prerogative. These include making treaties and sending ambassadors. They also include duties like defending the country and keeping the peace. Parliament does not need to approve these powers. Also, Parliament cannot discuss a bill that affects the King's powers without his permission.
Running the Government
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One of the Crown's main jobs is to appoint a prime minister. The prime minister then leads the Cabinet (a group of top ministers). The Cabinet advises the King or Governor-General on how to use their powers. The King's and Governor-General's roles are mostly symbolic. They represent the legal power under which all government actions happen. The Cabinet decides how to use the Royal Prerogative. This includes declaring war, keeping the peace, and directing the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. It also includes calling Parliament meetings and elections.
However, the Royal Prerogative belongs to the Crown, not to the ministers. The constitution allows the Governor-General to use these powers alone in special situations. For example, they can dismiss a prime minister, dissolve parliament, or remove a judge during a serious crisis.
There are also a few duties only the monarch performs, like appointing the Governor-General.
The Governor-General appoints the person most likely to have the support of the House of Representatives as prime minister. This helps keep the government stable. The Governor-General also appoints the Cabinet members, as advised by the prime minister. The King is kept informed by the Governor-General about government changes and decisions.
Dealing with Other Countries
The King's powers also cover foreign affairs. The King or Governor-General can make treaties and agreements with other countries. Parliament does not need to approve these. But a treaty cannot change Antigua and Barbuda's laws without a new Act of Parliament. The Governor-General also officially welcomes diplomats from other countries.
Passports are also issued under the King's power. So, all Antiguan and Barbudan passports are issued in the Governor-General's name.
Role in Parliament
The King is one of the three parts of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda. The other two parts are the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The King does not take part in making laws. But the Governor-General does, by giving Royal Assent (approval) to bills. The constitution also says that the Governor-General appoints senators. They appoint eleven senators based on the prime minister's advice. They appoint four based on the opposition leader's advice. And they appoint one on their own. The Governor-General also calls, suspends, and dissolves Parliament. After Parliament is dissolved, the Governor-General issues the official papers for a general election.
A new parliamentary session begins with the State Opening of Parliament. During this event, the King or the Governor-General reads a speech called the Speech from the Throne.
All laws in Antigua and Barbuda become official only after the Governor-General gives them Royal Assent in the King's name. This approval cannot be refused if the bill meets all legal requirements.
Role in Courts
The King is responsible for making sure justice is served for everyone. He is seen as the "fount of justice." In Antigua and Barbuda, crimes are considered offenses against the King. Court cases for serious crimes are brought in the King's name, for example, "The King versus [Name]." The law also says that the King "can do no wrong." This means the King cannot be charged with crimes in his own courts.
The Governor-General, acting for the King, can also grant protection from being charged. They can also use the power of pardon to forgive offenses against the Crown. This can happen before, during, or after a trial. The constitution describes how pardons and reduced prison sentences are given.
All judges of the Supreme Court must promise to "well and truly serve" the King of Antigua and Barbuda when they take office.
Trying to kill the monarch or the Governor-General is considered "high treason." This crime is punishable by death.
Cultural Role
The Crown and Honours
The monarch is seen as the "fount of honour" in Commonwealth realms. This means the King, as Sovereign of Antigua and Barbuda, gives out awards and honours in his name. Most of these awards are given based on the advice of the Antiguan and Barbudan government ministers.
Antigua and Barbuda created four national orders of honour in 1998. These are the Order of the National Hero, the Order of the Nation, the Order of Merit, and the Order of Princely Heritage. The St Edward's Crown appears on the badges of these orders. This shows that the monarchy is the source of authority. The Governor-General is the head of all these orders.
The Crown and the Defence Force
The Crown is at the very top of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. The King is the Commander-in-Chief of all the armed forces.
The Crown of St. Edward is on the badges and rank insignia of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. This shows that the monarchy is the source of authority.
Under the Defence Act of Antigua and Barbuda, the King has the power to grant commissions (official appointments) in the Defence Force. The Governor-General uses this power on the King's behalf.
The Crown and the Police Force
The national police force of Antigua and Barbuda is called "The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda".
The St. Edward's Crown is on the Police Force's badges and rank insignia. This shows that the monarchy is the source of authority.
Every member of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda must promise loyalty to the King when they join. Under the Police Act, the oath they take is:
"I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve Our Sovereign Lord the King as a member of the Police Force in Antigua and Barbuda without favour or affection, malice or ill-will; and that I will cause His Majesty's peace to be preserved, and will prevent to the utmost of my power, offenses against the same; and that, during any time that I do or may hereafter hold any appointment in the Police Force I will to the best of my knowledge and skill discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law. So help me God!"
Antiguan and Barbudan Royal Symbols
The main symbol of the monarchy is the King himself. His framed pictures are displayed in public buildings and government offices. The King also appears on special Antiguan and Barbudan stamps.
A crown is also used to show the monarchy's authority. It appears on the badges of police officers, postal workers, and prison officers.
God Save The King is the royal anthem of Antigua and Barbuda.
Under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship Act, new citizens of Antigua and Barbuda must promise loyalty to the King and his future heirs.
Royal Visits
Many members of the Royal Family have visited Antigua and Barbuda over the years.
- Princess Margaret visited in 1955.
- Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visited in 1964.
- Princess Alice visited in 1964.
- The Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1964.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Antigua and Barbuda in 1966. They went to the capital, Saint John's. They attended a ceremony at Government House and a church service. The Queen and the Duke visited again in 1977 for her Silver Jubilee. The Queen opened a new building and attended a lunch.
Princess Margaret represented the Queen at the independence celebrations in 1981.
The Queen visited again in 1985. She met patients and staff at the new Children's Ward of the Holberton Hospital.
- The Duke of York visited in 2001.
- The Earl of Wessex visited in 2003 and 2006.
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
- Prince Harry visited in 2016 to mark 35 years of independence.
- The Prince of Wales visited in 2017 to see how communities were recovering after hurricanes.
- The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited in 2022 for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Becoming a Republic
The idea of Antigua and Barbuda becoming a republic (a country with an elected president instead of a monarch) is not a big topic of discussion. In 2020, Information Minister Melford Nicholas said the country might consider becoming a republic in the future.
In 2022, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he hopes the country will become a republic "at some point." But he also said it's "not on the cards" right now. He expects Antigua and Barbuda to remain a monarchy for "some time." On September 10, 2022, after King Charles III became monarch, Prime Minister Browne stated he plans to hold a vote within three years on becoming a republic.
List of Antiguan and Barbudan Monarchs
| Portrait | Regnal name | Reign over Antigua and Barbuda | Full name | Consort | House | |
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| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
1 November 1981 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir Wilfred Jacobs, Sir James Carlisle, Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Sir Rodney Williams Prime ministers: Vere Bird, Lester Bird, Baldwin Spencer, Gaston Browne |
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Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir Rodney Williams Prime ministers: Gaston Browne |
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Images for kids
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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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The flag of the Antiguan and Barbudan governor-general featuring St Edward's Crown
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The emblem of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda featuring the Crown
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The Queen Elizabeth Highway in Antigua and Barbuda
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Antigua meter stamp featuring St Edward's Crown
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See also
- Lists of office-holders
- List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II
- List of prime ministers of Charles III
- List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II
- Monarchies in the Americas
- List of monarchies
- King Court Tackey
