Monarchy of Belize facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Belize |
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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 | 21 September 1981 |
The monarchy of Belize is a system of government where a king or queen is the head of state. This role is passed down through their family. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the monarch of Belize.
The King is seen as the living symbol of Belize's government. Even though he is also the monarch of 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, his role in Belize is unique and separate. He is officially called the King of Belize. He and other members of the royal family take part in public and private events as representatives of Belize. However, only the King has a real role in Belize's constitution.
The King has the main power in the government. His approval is needed for the National Assembly to make laws. Most of these powers are actually used by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. The King's other powers are important but are mostly kept for special situations. They act as a safeguard against anyone misusing power.
The King's main job today is to make sure the government runs smoothly and fairly. He helps prevent anyone from having too much power. While the King can do some things himself, most of his duties are carried out by his representative, the Governor-General of Belize.
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History of Belize's Monarchy
In 1836, after countries in Central America became free from Spain, Britain claimed the area now known as Belize. In 1862, this area became a British colony called British Honduras. The Queen's representative there was called a lieutenant governor.
In 1964, British Honduras gained the right to govern itself. On June 1, 1973, it was officially renamed Belize. Belize became fully independent from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. This happened after Queen Elizabeth II signed the Belize Independence Order. This made Belize a sovereign country with a king or queen as its head of state.
Prince Michael of Kent represented Queen Elizabeth II at the independence celebrations. In Belmopan, the capital city, Prince Michael gave the independence documents to George Price. Mr. Price then became Belize's first prime minister. On the same day, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Elmira Minita Gordon, a sociologist, as the Governor-General of Belize. She was the first female Governor-General in the history of the Commonwealth.
The King's Role in Belize
The King of Belize is also the monarch of 14 other Commonwealth realms. These are independent countries that share the same person as their head of state. However, the King's connection to Belize is completely separate from his role in any other country. Even though they share the same monarch, each Commonwealth realm is its own sovereign and independent nation.
Since Belize became independent in 1981, its monarchy has been both shared and unique. The King's role as monarch of Belize is different from his role as monarch of any other country, including the United Kingdom. Only Belizean ministers can advise the King on matters related to Belize. This means the monarchy in Belize has become a truly Belizean institution.
This difference is shown in several ways. For example, the King has a special Belizean title. When he acts publicly as a representative of Belize, he uses Belizean symbols, like the country's national flag.
In Belize, the government is often called the "Crown in Right of Belize." This means the King acts on behalf of the Belizean government.
The King's Official Title
In Belize, the King's full official title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Belize and of His Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
This title shows that Belize is an independent monarchy. It highlights the King's specific role as the King of Belize. It also shows that the Crown is shared among the Commonwealth realms. Usually, the King is simply called "King of Belize" when he is in Belize.
Who Becomes King or Queen Next?
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Belize follows the laws of the United Kingdom to decide who will be the next monarch.
The rules for who inherits the throne 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 Roman Catholic and must be part of the Church of England. Even though these laws apply to Belize, neither the UK nor Belize can change them without all the other Commonwealth realms agreeing.
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 to confirm it. After a monarch passes away, there is usually a period of mourning. Flags across Belize are flown at half-mast to show respect. The day of the funeral might become a public holiday. A special service to remember the late monarch is often held at St. John's Cathedral in Belize City.
The King's Constitutional Role
The Belizean Constitution sets up a government system similar to other Commonwealth countries. All government powers are given to the monarch. The monarch is represented in Belize by the Governor-General of Belize. The Governor-General is chosen by the monarch based on the advice of the prime minister of Belize. The Governor-General handles the King's duties within Belize.
The King and the Governor-General have both legal and practical roles. The Crown is seen as a body where different parts share authority, with the monarch at the center.
Government Leadership
The Governor-General chooses the prime minister, who then leads the Cabinet. The prime minister advises the King or Governor-General on how to use their powers over government and foreign affairs. The King is kept informed by the Governor-General about changes in prime ministers and government ministers.
The Governor-General also appoints and removes ministers, members of various government agencies, and other officials.
Some duties must be done specifically by the monarch, such as signing the appointment papers for Governors-General.
Since all executive power in Belize belongs to the King, government bodies act under his authority. This is why the government of Belize is formally called "His Majesty's Government in Belize."
Foreign Relations
The King's special powers also cover foreign affairs. The King or the Governor-General can negotiate and sign treaties and international agreements. Parliament does not need to approve these. However, a treaty cannot change Belize's local laws without an Act of Parliament. The Governor-General, acting for the King, also approves Belizean ambassadors and welcomes diplomats from other countries.
Also, Belizean passports are issued under the King's authority. They are issued in the Governor-General's name, as the King's representative.
National Assembly
The Governor-General is responsible for calling together the two parts of the National Assembly: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Governor-General can also pause or end a parliamentary session at any time. At the start of a new session, the Governor-General reads the Speech from the Throne. This speech outlines the government's plans for new laws. After a session ends, a general election is held. The Governor-General issues the official orders for this election.
The constitution also states that the Governor-General alone appoints senators. The Governor-General must appoint five senators based on the prime minister's advice. One senator is appointed after talking with the Belize Advisory Council. Two senators are appointed based on the advice of the leader of the opposition.
All laws in Belize become official with the Governor-General's signature. This signing is called Royal Assent. It is needed for all acts of parliament and is usually given by the Governor-General using the Public Seal of Belize.
The authority of the Crown is shown in the mace of the House of Representatives. This mace has a crown at its top.
Because Belize has a constitutional monarchy, the King's powers are almost always used based on the advice of the prime minister and other government ministers. These ministers are responsible to the elected House of Representatives and, through them, to the people. The King's role, and therefore the Governor-General's role, is mostly symbolic. They represent the legal authority under which all governments operate. In very rare cases, the King or Governor-General can act against this advice using their special powers.
Courts and Justice
The King is responsible for making sure justice is served to everyone. He is traditionally seen as the "source of justice." In Belize, crimes are legally considered offenses against the King. Lawsuits for serious crimes are brought in the King's name, for example, "The King versus [Name]." This means the King himself cannot be charged with crimes in his own courts.
The Governor-General also appoints the chief justice of Belize and other judges of the Supreme Court. These duties are given to the Governor-General by the Constitution.
The Governor-General can also grant protection from being charged with a crime. They can also use the "prerogative of mercy" to pardon offenses against the Crown. Pardons can be given before, during, or after a trial. The power to grant pardons and reduce prison sentences is described in section 52 of the Belizean Constitution.
Cultural Role of the Monarchy
Belize celebrates the birthday of its monarch every year in May. This day is called Sovereign's Day. It is marked by parades in Belize City, though it is not a public holiday. Horse races are held in Belize City and Orange Walk Town. A cycling race is also held between Belmopan and Cayo. Schools and universities hold flag-raising ceremonies and other events to celebrate Sovereign's Day.
Awards and Honours
In Commonwealth countries, the monarch is seen as the "source of honour." Similarly, the King, as the King of Belize, gives out awards and honours in Belize in his name. Most of these awards are given based on the advice of Belizean government ministers. Award ceremonies are carried out by the Governor-General on behalf of the King.
Belize created three national awards on August 16, 1991: the Order of Belize, the Order of Distinction, and the Order of the National Hero. The Governor-General, as the King's representative, leads all these award orders.
The King and the Defence Force
The Crown is at the very top of the Belize Defence Force. The King is the Commander-in-Chief of all the Forces. The Crown of St. Edward appears on Belize Defence Force badges and rank symbols. This shows that the monarchy is the source of authority.
Under Belize's Defence Act, every member of the Belize Defence Force must promise loyalty to the King of Belize when they start their job. The current promise is:
"I, (name), do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Our Sovereign Lord the King and to His constitutionally Elected Government in Belize and that I will faithfully serve His Majesty in the Belize Defence Force until lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed, and that I will resist His Majesty's enemies and defend and protect all His Majesty's subjects and territory in Belize and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duties according to law."
The King and the Police Force
Every member of the Belize Police Department must promise loyalty to the King of Belize when they start their job. Under the Police Act of Belize, every police officer must make this promise:
"I, (name), do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve His Majesty the King, His Heirs and Successors, during my service in the Department and will obey all orders of the Governor-General and of the officers placed over me, and will subject myself to all Acts, Orders and Regulations, from time to time in force, relating to the Department."
All official orders to stop riots are also issued in the King's name. They end with the phrase "God Save the King."
St Edward's Crown is used on the badge of the Belize Police Department. It is also part of the rank symbols for commissioner, senior superintendent, and superintendent.
Royal Symbols
The main symbol of the Belizean monarchy is the King himself. Pictures of him are displayed in public buildings and government offices. Many Belizeans also keep pictures of the royal family in their homes. All Belizean coins feature a picture of the monarch wearing a crown. All banknotes of the Belizean dollar also show the monarch's picture. The monarch also appears on special Belizean stamps.
A crown is also used to show that the monarchy is the source of authority. It appears on badges and rank symbols for the police force, postal workers, prison officers, and the Belize Defence Force.
God Save the King is the royal anthem of Belize.
New Belizean citizens must promise loyalty to the King of Belize and his future heirs when they take the Oath of Citizenship.
Royal Visits to Belize
20th Century Visits
Princess Margaret visited Belize in 1958. The Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1962. Prince Michael of Kent represented the Queen at the independence celebrations in September 1981.
Elizabeth II, Queen of Belize, visited the country in October 1985. The mayor welcomed her and gave her the key to Belize City. She stayed at Government House. The next day, she flew to Dangriga. There, she watched a Junkanoo Dance by children. She also received a painting from the people of the Stann Creek District. She met British servicemen and women stationed in Belize. During her visit, the Queen was served a famous local animal called gibnut at an official dinner. The next day, British newspapers in London had headlines like: "Queen Eats Rat in Belize." Since then, the gibnut has often been called "The Royal Rat" or "The Queen's Rat" in Belize.
The Duke of Edinburgh returned in 1988 for a solo visit. He came as the President of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
The Queen visited again in 1994. When she arrived at the airport in Belize City, 90% of the city's population greeted her. The Queen also visited San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, and Cahal Pech. Cahal Pech is one of Belize's many ancient Mayan sites. The Queen attended a special meeting of the National Assembly. She spoke to them for the first time. She talked about Belize's "strong democracy." The Queen also noted that this was the first time she had been welcomed by a song written and performed by a Governor-General.
21st Century Visits
The Princess Royal visited Belize in April 2001. The Princess visited the National Assembly of Belize in Belmopan. She also visited the Belize Defence Force at Price Barracks in Ladyville. During her visit, the Princess also went to San Lazaro Village Roman Catholic Primary School. She visited the Mennonite Community at Blue Creek Village and the Rio Bravo Conservation Area. She also saw Marla's House of Hope, a children's home, the Belize Zoo, and the Commonwealth War Graves in Belize City.
In 2012, Prince Harry visited on behalf of the Queen. This was to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. During his visit, Prince Harry saw the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich. He launched a canoe named in honour of the Queen. He also attended the official naming of 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Boulevard' in Belmopan.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in March 2022. This was for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. During their visit, they explored Mayan sites. They learned about Belize's Maya chocolate making. They also celebrated the culture of the Garifuna community in Hopkins. The Duke and Duchess learned about efforts to restore Belize's barrier reef. They even went scuba diving to learn more about the world's second-largest barrier reef. At a party hosted by Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam, the Duke said, "Now we know why Belize is so lovingly referred to as the Jewel. We hope to return again soon and to show our children this wonderful country. They are rather jealous that they're not here with us now." A visit to a Maya village was planned but was cancelled due to local protests.
Future of the Monarchy in Belize
In March 2022, the government of Belize created the People's Constitutional Commission. This group is reviewing Belize's laws, including the constitution, and how the country is governed. Prime Minister Johnny Briceño has said he will hold a public vote on the commission's recommendations. These recommendations are expected in 2024.
In May 2023, Prime Minister Briceño suggested it was "quite likely" that Belize would be the next Commonwealth realm to become a republic. A republic is a country where the head of state is an elected president, not a monarch. Briceño did not say if he would propose a bill for a public vote on becoming a republic. Such a bill would need approval from parliament.
A survey done in February and March 2023 found that 48 percent of people supported keeping Belize's monarchy. 43 percent supported becoming a republic. Of those who wanted to keep the Crown, 71 percent said the monarchy was a "good thing" for the country.
List of Belizean Monarchs
| Portrait | Regnal name (Birth–Death) |
Reign over Belize | Full name | Consort | House | |
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| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
21 September 1981 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Dame Elmira Minita Gordon, Sir Colville Young, Dame Froyla Tzalam Prime ministers: George Cadle Price, Sir Manuel Esquivel, Said Musa, Dean Barrow, Johnny Briceño |
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Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Phillip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Dame Froyla Tzalam Prime ministers: Johnny Briceño |
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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
