Monarchy of Papua New Guinea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Papua New Guinea |
|
|---|---|
Emblem of Papua New Guinea
|
|
| Incumbent | |
.jpg) |
|
| Charles III since 8 September 2022 |
|
| Details | |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | William, Prince of Wales |
| First monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Formation | 16 September 1975 |
The monarchy of Papua New Guinea is a special way the country is governed. It means a king or queen is the official head of state for Papua New Guinea. This role is passed down through their family. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the King of Papua New Guinea.
Even though King Charles III is also the monarch for 14 other independent countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, his role in Papua New Guinea is unique. He is officially called the King of Papua New Guinea. He and other members of the royal family represent Papua New Guinea both at home and when they travel to other countries. However, only the King has a real role in the country's laws.
The King holds all the top power, and his approval is needed for certain legal documents. But this power actually comes from the people of Papua New Guinea. The King's direct involvement in daily government is small. Most decisions are made by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. The King's role is mainly to ensure the government runs smoothly and to prevent anyone from misusing power.
The King's representative in Papua New Guinea is called the Governor-General. This person carries out most of the King's duties and ceremonies.
Contents
How Papua New Guinea's Monarchy Began
The first Europeans to try and settle in the area were the British in 1793. But it was the Dutch who claimed the western part of the island in 1828. They didn't really control it until 1898.
In 1884, Germany took over the northeast part of the island, calling it German New Guinea. The British claimed the southern coast, known as British New Guinea. This area became part of Australia in 1902 and was renamed the Australian Territory of Papua in 1906. During World War I, Australian forces took control of German New Guinea. In 1921, the League of Nations officially gave Australia control of this area.
In 1945, Australia combined its control of Papua and New Guinea into one area called the Territory of Papua and New Guinea. This was managed from Australia. From 1946, the eastern half of New Guinea was managed by Australia as a United Nations trust territory. Papua New Guinea held elections for its own assembly in 1964, 1968, and 1972. It gained self-government on December 1, 1973, and became fully independent from Australia on September 16, 1975.
Becoming an Independent Monarchy
In February 1974, Queen Elizabeth II of Australia visited Papua New Guinea. She said that independence was coming soon. She also promised Australia's continued friendship and help. The Chief Minister, Michael Somare, hoped Papua New Guinea would join the Commonwealth of Nations.
At first, it was decided that Papua New Guinea would have its own citizen as head of state. But on May 19, 1975, the government suddenly announced that the Queen should become the head of state. They felt that keeping ties with the Queen would give the country a "sense of security" during its early years of independence.
Some people, like university students, protested this decision. But Michael Somare told politicians not to use the Queen as a political issue. He said her role would not take away from the country's independence. Many groups across the country supported Somare's choice.
On June 5, 1975, the assembly voted against making Papua New Guinea a republic. On August 15, 1975, they officially asked the Queen to become their head of state. They also asked her to approve John Guise as the first governor-general of Papua New Guinea. The Queen was very happy and accepted right away. Papua New Guinea was the first Commonwealth country to specifically ask Queen Elizabeth II to be its ruler.
At the independence celebrations in 1975, the Queen's son, Charles, Prince of Wales, represented her. The Australian flag was lowered for the last time. John Guise, the new Governor-General, announced that Papua New Guinea was now independent. Later that day, Prince Charles opened the first parliament in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea's Crown and Its Role
Papua New Guinea is one of 15 independent countries, called Commonwealth realms, that share the same monarch. The King's relationship with Papua New Guinea is separate from his role as monarch of any other country. Even though they share the same person as their ruler, each Commonwealth realm is independent. The King is represented in Papua New Guinea by the viceroy—the Governor-General.
Since Papua New Guinea became independent in 1975, the Crown has had both a shared and a separate role. The King's position as monarch of Papua New Guinea is different from his position as monarch of the United Kingdom. This means the monarchy is no longer just a British institution; in Papua New Guinea, it has become a local, "domesticated" part of the country.
This difference is shown in several ways:
- The King has a special Papua New Guinean title.
- When he acts for Papua New Guinea, he uses symbols of the country, like the national flag.
- Only Papua New Guinean government ministers can advise the King on matters concerning the country.
In Papua New Guinea, the government is officially called the "Crown in Right of Papua New Guinea".
The King's Title
When Papua New Guinea became independent in 1975, the Constitution gave Elizabeth II a special title for her role as Head of State. Her title was: Elizabeth II, Queen of Papua New Guinea and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Now that Charles III is King, his title is: Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
This title shows that Papua New Guinea is an independent monarchy. It highlights the King's specific role as Head of State of Papua New Guinea. It also shows the shared connection with other Commonwealth countries. When in Papua New Guinea, the King is usually called "King of Papua New Guinea".
People in Papua New Guinea had many nicknames for Queen Elizabeth II in the creole language of Tok Pisin. They called her Misis Kwin ("Mrs Queen"), Mama Kwin, Sina Bada, Big Mum, and Mama belong big family.
Promises of Loyalty
The King is a symbol of the state. People in Papua New Guinea make promises of loyalty to him. This is a way of returning the promise the King makes during his Coronation. At his Coronation, the King promises to govern the people of his realms according to their laws and customs.
The promise of loyalty in Papua New Guinea is:
"I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His heirs and successors according to law. So help me God."
Who Becomes King Next?
.jpg)
The constitution says that the King's children and their children will succeed him as head of state. Papua New Guinea follows the same rules as the United Kingdom to decide who is next in line.
The rules for who becomes King or Queen are set by laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. These laws say that only natural, legitimate descendants of Sophia of Hanover can inherit the throne. Also, the monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic and must be part of the Church of England. Even though these laws are controlled by the British parliament, both the UK and Papua New Guinea cannot change them without all the other Commonwealth realms agreeing.
When a monarch dies or steps down, their heir immediately becomes the new monarch. There is no need for a special ceremony to confirm it. A period of mourning usually follows, with flags flown at half-mast. The day of the funeral might become a public holiday.
After King Charles III became King in 2022, Prime Minister James Marape said that Papua New Guinea's Constitution would be updated to change all mentions of "Queen" to "King".
The King's Role in Government
Papua New Guinea has a written Constitution. This Constitution, along with other laws and customs, creates a parliamentary system of government under a constitutional monarchy. This means the King and Governor-General have legal and practical roles, but they do not get involved in politics.
Unlike most other Commonwealth countries, the power in Papua New Guinea belongs to its citizens. The Constitution says that "all power belongs to the people—acting through their duly elected representatives". The King acts as head of state because the people of Papua New Guinea asked him to.
The King has several important powers and duties. However, most of these are carried out daily by the Governor-General, who acts in the King's name. The Governor-General is chosen by the King based on a vote by the National Parliament. Governors-General serve for six years. Some duties are only done by the King, such as appointing the Governor-General and approving national honours.
The Executive Branch
The Constitution gives the King the power to run the government. This power is used either by the King directly or by the Governor-General as his representative. Papua New Guinea is a parliamentary democracy. This means the power to govern is given by the King to a democratically elected government. This government is then responsible to the parliament. This system has been in place since Papua New Guinea became independent in 1975.
One of the King's main duties is to appoint a prime minister. The prime minister leads the National Executive Council and advises the King and Governor-General on how to use the government's powers.
The King's and Governor-General's roles are mostly symbolic. They represent the legal authority under which all government actions happen. The Cabinet decides how to use the King's special powers, like commanding the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, calling parliament meetings, and holding elections. However, both the King and the Governor-General have the right to be consulted, to encourage, and to warn ministers about government matters. The King can also use special powers, like dismissing a prime minister or refusing to dissolve parliament, in very unusual situations.
How the Government is Organized
To keep the government stable, the Governor-General appoints the leader of the winning political party as prime minister after an election. Because Papua New Guinea has many political parties, the Governor-General often helps find a member of Parliament who has enough support. The Governor-General also appoints and dismisses other ministers, following the prime minister's advice. The King is kept informed by the Governor-General about changes in prime ministers and ministers.
Dealing with Other Countries
The King's special powers also extend to foreign affairs. The Governor-General signs treaties, alliances, and international agreements. Parliament's approval is not needed for these. However, a treaty cannot change Papua New Guinea's laws without an Act of Parliament. The Governor-General, on behalf of the King, also welcomes diplomats from other countries and sends Papua New Guinean High Commissioners and ambassadors abroad.
Also, passports are issued under the King's authority. All Papua New Guinean passports are issued by the Governor-General in the King's name.
The Parliament's Role
.jpg)
In Papua New Guinea, the power to make laws belongs only to the National Parliament. The King does not hold this power. However, parliament can only meet with the King's authority. A ceremonial mace, which has a crown on top, represents the King in parliament.
The Governor-General calls, suspends, and dissolves parliament on behalf of the King. When parliament is dissolved, new election orders are usually issued by the Governor-General. The Governor-General also opens new parliamentary sessions. During this opening, he or she reads a speech outlining the government's plans. Generally, the Governor-General follows the prime minister's advice. But sometimes, the Governor-General can act against this advice to prevent big problems.
Unlike other Commonwealth countries, the King's approval is not needed for laws to be passed in Papua New Guinea. Instead, bills become laws when the Speaker of Parliament certifies them. However, a law can allow the King, advised by the government, to send a law back to parliament to consider changes.
The Courts' Role
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea is appointed by the Governor-General on behalf of the King.
The King, advised by the government, can also protect people from being charged with crimes. He can use his royal prerogative of mercy to pardon offenses, either before, during, or after a trial. This power to grant pardons and reduce prison sentences is described in the Constitution.
The King's Cultural Role
The King and Honours
.jpg)
The King is seen as the source of all honours and awards. In Papua New Guinea, the King gives out awards and honours in his name. Most of these are given based on the advice of Papua New Guinea's government ministers.
Papua New Guinea has its own national awards system called "The Orders of Papua New Guinea". This system was officially started on August 23, 2005, by Queen Elizabeth II. The King is the head of these Orders. The Governor-General is the leader of the Orders and the main Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.
The King and the Defence Force
The King is at the very top of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. This is shown by the prefix HMPNGS on Papua New Guinea's navy ships, which means His Majesty's Papua New Guinea Ship. The St Edward's Crown appears on the Defence Force's rank badges. This shows that the King is the source of authority.
Members of the Defence Force have often taken part in royal events. This includes the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.
Members of the royal family also serve as colonels-in-chief of different army groups. This shows the King's connection with the Defence Force. Charles III is the Colonel-in-Chief of Papua New Guinea's Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. Queen Elizabeth II gave this regiment the title "Royal" in 1984. In 2012, King Charles, wearing the regiment's uniform, presented new flags to the troops.
The King and the Police Force
Papua New Guinea's national police force is called the "Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary". It was given the title "Royal" by King George VI in 1939. On June 2, 1953, 25 members of the police force represented Papua New Guinea at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King is also at the top of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. The Governor-General is the leader of the Force. The St. Edward's Crown appears on the police badges and rank insignia. This shows that the King is the source of authority.
The King and Tok Pisin Language
In the creole language of Tok Pisin, Queen Elizabeth II was called Misis Kwin, Mama Kwin, Sina Bada, Big Mum, and Mama belong big family. Her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was called Oldfella Pili-Pili Him Bilong Misis Kwin. As the next in line to the throne, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) was known as Nambawan pikinini bilong Misis Kwin ("The first child of Mrs Queen").
Members of the royal family have often spoken in Tok Pisin when visiting Papua New Guinea. In October 1982, the Queen gave a famous speech in Tok Pisin, saying, “Mi hamamas tru long istap wantaim yupla nau, na mi ting bai mi kam bek long lukim yupla lo taim bihain.” This means, “I am delighted to be with you now and hope to return in the future.” Prince Charles also used the language in his speeches to Parliament in 1975 and 1984.
In August 1984, Prince Charles visited Manus Island. In a special ceremony, he was crowned the Tenth Lapan of Manus. He accepted the title by saying, “Wuroh, wuroh, wuroh, all man meri bilong Manus. Mi hammamas tru.” This means, “Thank you all men and women of Manus. I am truly filled with happiness.”
In 2012, during a tour for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Prince Charles again introduced himself in Tok Pisin as “nambawan pikinini bilong Misis Kwin”. He then shared greetings from the Queen of Papua New Guinea and the royal family.
Royal Symbols
Royal symbols are the visual signs of the monarchy in Papua New Guinea. The most important symbol is the King himself. His picture is used in public buildings and government offices to show Papua New Guinean power. For example, Queen Elizabeth II's picture appears on medals and postage stamps. A statue of Queen Elizabeth II is also in the grounds of Government House in Port Moresby. A Crown is also shown on various medals and awards. This shows the King's role as the source of all honours in Papua New Guinea.
The King's Official Birthday is a public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It is usually celebrated in June each year. There are official parties, sports events, and fireworks. Awards and medals are given to Papua New Guineans for their public service on this day.
-
The flag of the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, showing the St Edward's Crown.
-
The emblem of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, showing the Crown.
-
St Edward's Crown on the badge of the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.
-
Papua New Guinean version of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012.
- Artworks
Papua New Guinean artists have painted many unique pictures of the monarch. One famous painting is Missis Kwin by artist Mathias Kauage. It was given to the Queen in 1996. In the painting, the Queen wears a Gerua, a special ceremonial headdress. This headdress is usually worn by Chiefs in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The artist said the painting shows the Queen as the Head of the Commonwealth.
To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002, an art exhibition was held in Papua New Guinea. Artists were asked to paint a portrait of the Queen. The winning painting by Laben John was given to the Queen. Another painting, Her Majesty in the Land of the Unexpected by Jeffry Feeger, shows the Queen in traditional Papua New Guinean clothing. This painting is now on display in London.
Royal Visits
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Papua New Guinea between 1956 and 1957. Prince Edward and Katherine, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, visited in 1969 to open the 1969 South Pacific Games in Port Moresby.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Papua New Guinea for the first time in February 1974, with Prince Philip and Princess Anne. They visited Rabaul and Goroka. The Post Courier newspaper wrote that the Queen had brought the monarchy closer to the people.
The Queen returned in 1977 for her Silver Jubilee tour. She visited Port Moresby, Popondetta, and Alotau. At a dinner, the Queen said she hoped the Crown could help bring unity to the country. The Queen and the Duke visited again in October 1982.
Charles, Prince of Wales, visited in 1966 when he was a student in Australia. He represented the Queen at the independence celebrations in 1975. Charles visited again in 1984 to open the new parliament building in Port Moresby. Prince Andrew, Duke of York visited in 1991 to open the 1991 South Pacific Games. Anne, Princess Royal visited in 2005 for the 30th anniversary of independence. She visited many places, including the Bomana War Cemetery.
The Prince of Wales visited in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He and the Duchess met many people, including charity workers and members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, visited in 2015 to open the 2015 Pacific Games and visited the Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery.
The Princess Royal visited in April 2022 to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. She and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, visited a school, St John Ambulance PNG, the Bomana War Cemetery, and other important places.
Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea, is expected to visit in 2025 for the 50th anniversary of independence.
What People Think About the Monarchy
Many people in Papua New Guinea have always admired the royal family. In 2022, Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae said that Papua New Guineans were "honoured and proud" to have the Queen as their head of state. During her 2022 visit, Princess Anne thanked Papua New Guineans for their "loyalty and respect" for the Queen.
In 1983, a report suggested that the monarchy should be replaced with a ceremonial president from Papua New Guinea. Many politicians, including Prime Minister Michael Somare, supported this idea. However, the government did not act on these recommendations.
Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for National Events, said in 2022 that Papua New Guinea would not become a republic. He said the country was embracing its monarchy. After the Queen's death in September 2022, Prime Minister James Marape said that Papua New Guinea's relationship with the monarchy was "very important". He said his government would not become a republic. He felt Papua New Guinea had "learnt to embrace royalty" because of Queen Elizabeth II.
A 2023 survey found that 45% of people supported Papua New Guinea becoming a republic, while 51% preferred to keep the monarchy. In May 2023, Prime Minister Marape said that Papua New Guineans are used to traditions and systems with leaders. He said the monarchy "reminds us of our own traditional Chieftaincy systems" which brought order to their communities. He added that their loyalty to the King is also linked to their shared history with Britain.
Kings and Queens of Papua New Guinea
| Portrait | Regnal name (Birth–Death) |
Reign over Papua New Guinea | Full name | Consort | House | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | |||||
_(cropped)_(3-to-4_aspect_ratio).jpg) |
Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
16 September 1975 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir John Guise, Sir Tore Lokoloko, Sir Kingsford Dibela, Sir Ignatius Kilage, Sir Vincent Serei Eri, Sir Wiwa Korowi, Sir Silas Atopare, Sir Paulias Matane, Sir Michael Ogio, Sir Bob Dadae Prime ministers: Michael Somare, Julius Chan, Paias Wingti, Rabbie Namaliu, Bill Skate, Mekere Morauta, Peter O'Neill, James Marape |
||||||
|
Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir Bob Dadae Prime ministers: James Marape |
||||||
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 Oceania
- List of monarchies
