Monarchy of Saint Kitts and Nevis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Saint Kitts and Nevis |
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Federal
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Coat of arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis
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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 | 19 September 1983 |
The monarchy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a special way of governing where a monarch (a king or queen) is the main leader and head of the country. This role is passed down through their family. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the monarch of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The King represents the "Crown of Saint Kitts and Nevis." Even though he is also the monarch for 14 other independent countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is its own separate thing. So, King Charles III is officially called the King of Saint Christopher and Nevis when he acts for this country. He and other members of the royal family do public and private duties as representatives of Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, only the King has a real role in the country's laws.
The King has all the main powers of the government. For new laws to be made by the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the King (or his representative) must agree to them. Most of these powers are actually used by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. Some powers, like firing a prime minister, are very important but are only used in special, emergency situations. These are called "reserve powers."
Today, the King's main job is to make sure the government runs smoothly and fairly. He also helps prevent anyone from using too much power. While the King can do some things himself, most of his daily jobs are done by his representative, the Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Contents
How the Monarchy Started
The first successful English settlement in the West Indies was started in Saint Kitts in 1623 by Sir Thomas Warner. The French also came in 1625 and set up their own colony. For many years, Saint Kitts was divided between English and French control.
In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht gave Saint Kitts to Britain. Even though the French captured Brimstone Hill in 1782, the island was returned to Britain by the Peace of Paris treaty in 1783.
Nevis was settled by the English in 1628. It quickly became one of the richest islands in the Antilles. Even with attacks from the French and Spanish, Nevis stayed strong economically until the mid-1800s.
Saint Kitts and Nevis, along with Anguilla, joined together in 1882. After a short time as part of the West Indies Federation, the islands became an associated state in 1967. This meant they had full control over their own affairs. However, Anguilla and Nevis were not happy with Saint Kitts having too much power. Anguilla decided to become independent in 1967. After talks failed, Anguilla came under direct British control in 1971. Its union with Saint Kitts and Nevis officially ended in 1980.
In 1982, a meeting was held in London to discuss the future. Despite some disagreements about Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis became fully independent on September 19, 1983. It became an independent country within the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and Queen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Princess Margaret represented Queen Elizabeth II at the independence celebrations. She was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and cheered by thousands of people. After the flag-raising ceremony, the Princess read a message from the Queen. She then officially handed over the country's new laws to the first Prime Minister, Kennedy Simmonds.
The Crown of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis is one of fifteen independent countries, called Commonwealth realms. These countries share the same monarch. But the monarch's role in Saint Kitts and Nevis is completely separate from their role as monarch of any other country. Each Commonwealth realm, including Saint Kitts and Nevis, is a sovereign and independent nation. The monarch is represented in the country by a viceroy, who is the Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Since Saint Kitts and Nevis became independent in 1983, the Crown has been both shared and separate. The monarch's role as King of Saint Kitts and Nevis is different from his role as monarch of the United Kingdom or any other country. This means the monarchy is no longer just a British thing; it has become a national part of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
This difference is shown in several ways. For example, the King has a special title just for Saint Kitts and Nevis. When he acts publicly for the country, he uses symbols of Saint Kitts and Nevis, like its national flag. Also, only Saint Kitts and Nevis government ministers can give advice to the King about matters concerning their country.
In Saint Kitts and Nevis, the government is officially called "His Majesty in right of Saint Christopher and Nevis," or the "Crown in right of the Government of Saint Christopher and Nevis."
The King's Title
In Saint Christopher and Nevis, the King's full title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Saint Christopher and Nevis and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Oath of Loyalty
People in Saint Kitts and Nevis show their loyalty to the King by taking an oath. This is a promise to be faithful to him. The King also makes a promise during his Coronation to govern his countries fairly, according to their laws and customs.
The oath of loyalty in Saint Kitts and Nevis 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?
The rules for who becomes the next King or Queen are set by laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. These laws say that only the natural, legitimate children of Sophia of Hanover can become monarch. They also state that the monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic and must be part of the Church of England.
Even though these laws were made by the British parliament, Saint Kitts and Nevis (and the other Commonwealth realms) must all agree if any changes are to be made to these rules. This is like a special agreement between these countries. Saint Kitts and Nevis agreed to the latest changes in 2013.
When a monarch dies or steps down, their heir immediately becomes the new monarch. There is no need for a special ceremony first. A period of mourning usually follows, and flags are flown at half-mast to honor the late monarch.
The King's Role in Government
The Constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis sets up a system where the country is a parliamentary government under a federal constitutional monarchy. This means the King and Governor-General have important legal roles, but they do not get involved in politics. All government powers are officially held by the monarch. The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is formally called His Majesty's Government of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
Most of the King's duties in the country are carried out by the Governor-General. The Governor-General is chosen by the King based on the advice of the prime minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Running the Government
One of the Crown's main jobs is to appoint a prime minister. The prime minister then leads the cabinet and advises the King or Governor-General on how to use their powers to run the government and handle foreign affairs. The King's and Governor-General's roles are mostly symbolic. They represent the legal authority under which all government actions happen. The cabinet actually decides how to use the King's special powers, which include declaring war, keeping peace, and directing the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force. They also decide when to call parliament meetings and elections.
However, it's important to remember that these special powers belong to the Crown, not to the ministers. The constitution allows the Governor-General to use these powers alone in very rare cases, like firing a prime minister, closing parliament, or removing a judge during a serious constitutional crisis.
There are also a few duties that only the King performs, such as appointing the Governor-General.
To keep the government stable, the Governor-General chooses the person most likely to have the support of the National Assembly as prime minister. The Governor-General also appoints the cabinet members, following the prime minister's advice. The King is kept informed by the Governor-General about resignations and new appointments of prime ministers and ministers. He stays updated through regular messages from his Saint Kitts and Nevis ministers.
Dealing with Other Countries
The King's special powers also extend to foreign affairs. The Governor-General signs treaties, alliances, and international agreements. No approval from parliament is needed for this. However, a treaty cannot change the laws of Saint Kitts and Nevis; a new law from parliament would be needed for that. The Governor-General, on behalf of the King, also welcomes diplomats from other countries and sends Saint Kitts and Nevis High Commissioners and ambassadors abroad. Passports are also issued in the Governor-General's name, as he represents the King in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Role in Parliament
The King, along with the National Assembly, makes up the Parliament of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
However, the King does not take part in making laws himself. His representative, the Governor-General, does this by giving Royal Assent (approval) to new laws. The constitution also states that only the Governor-General appoints senators. One-third of senators are chosen by the Governor-General based on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Others are chosen based on the advice of the prime minister. The Governor-General also calls, suspends, and closes parliament. After parliament is closed, the Governor-General usually calls for a general election.
A new parliamentary session begins with the Opening of the National Assembly. During this event, the King or Governor-General reads the Speech from the Throne.
All laws in Saint Kitts and Nevis become official only after the Governor-General gives them Royal Assent in the King's name. So, new laws start with the phrase: "Be it enacted by the King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the National Assembly of Saint Christopher Nevis and by the authority of the same as follows".
Role in Courts
The King is seen as the "source of justice." This means he is responsible for making sure justice is served for everyone. The King does not personally decide court cases. Instead, judges and courts do their work in his name. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, crimes are legally seen as offenses against the King. So, court cases for serious crimes are called The King [or Queen] versus [Name]. This also means the King cannot be charged with a crime in his own courts.
The highest court where people can appeal decisions in Saint Kitts and Nevis is the Judicial Committee of the King's Privy Council.
The Governor-General, acting for the King, can also grant immunity from being charged with a crime. They can also use the royal prerogative of mercy to pardon people for offenses against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. This power to grant pardons and reduce prison sentences is described in section 66 of the Constitution.
Monarchy in Nevis
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Because of how the country's laws are set up, the monarchy of Saint Kitts and Nevis also works separately on the island of Nevis. Here, the Crown is called the Crown in right of the Nevis Island Administration.
The Governor-General appoints a Deputy Governor-General for Nevis. This person carries out the duties of the King's representative on the island. The Deputy Governor-General lives at Government House, south of Charlestown, Nevis.
The King and the Nevis Island Assembly together form the Nevis Island Legislature. One-third of the members of the Assembly are chosen by the Governor-General based on the advice of the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. Others are chosen based on the advice of the premier of Nevis. All new laws passed by the Nevis Island Assembly need the King's approval. The Governor-General is also responsible for closing the Assembly based on the premier's advice.
To keep the Nevis Island Administration stable, the Governor-General appoints the person most likely to have the support of the majority of the elected members of the Nevis Island Assembly as premier. The Governor-General also appoints other members of the Administration from the Assembly, following the premier's advice.
The Nevis Island Administration's job is to advise the Governor-General on how to govern the island of Nevis. The Administration is responsible to the Assembly for any advice they give to the Governor-General.
Cultural Role
The Crown and Honours
The King is seen as the "source of honour." This means he gives out awards and honours in Saint Kitts and Nevis in his name. Most of these awards are given based on the advice of "His Majesty's Saint Christopher and Nevis Ministers."
In 1998, Saint Kitts and Nevis created its own awards through the National Honours Act. These awards include the Order of National Hero, the Star of Merit, and the Medal of Honour. In 2005, the Order of St Christopher and Nevis was added. The Governor-General is the President of this system of honours, and a special committee suggests people for these awards to the prime minister. The prime minister then sends these suggestions to the Governor-General. Award ceremonies are held by the Governor-General at Government House.
The Crown and the Defence Force
The King is at the very top of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force. The St Edward's Crown appears on the Defence Force's badges and rank symbols. This shows that the monarchy is the main source of authority. The Governor-General acts as the commander-in-chief of the Defence Force, representing the King.
The power to give official positions in the Defence Force belongs to the King. This power is used on his behalf by the Governor-General.
The Crown and the Police Force
The national police force of Saint Kitts and Nevis is called "The Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force".
The St. Edward's Crown also appears on the Police's badges and rank symbols. This shows that the monarchy is the main source of authority for the police.
Every member of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force must swear loyalty to the King of Saint Kitts and Nevis when they start their job. Under The Police Act, 2002, the oath of loyalty is:
"I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve Our Sovereign Lord the King in the office of Special Constable in the Federation 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 offences against the same. So help me God!"
Royal Symbols
The most important symbol of the monarchy in Saint Kitts and Nevis is the King himself. His framed pictures are displayed in public buildings and government offices. The King also appears on special stamps from Saint Kitts and Nevis.
A crown is also used to show that the monarchy is the source of authority. It appears on the uniforms of the defence force, police, postal workers, and prison officers.
God Save The King is the royal anthem of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
When new citizens join the country, they must swear loyalty to the King and his future heirs, according to the Saint Christopher and Nevis Citizenship Act.
Royal Visits
Visits in the 20th Century
Princess Margaret visited Saint Kitts in February 1955.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1966. During their visit on February 22, the Queen held a special ceremony at Government House. They also attended a reception with about 700 people and watched fireworks. In Nevis, the Chief Minister gave the Queen a large map of the island. Prince Charles visited in June 1973 to open a newly fixed part of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Princess Margaret visited again in September 1983 to represent the Queen at the independence celebrations. The Queen and her husband visited again in 1985.
The Princess of Wales (Princess Diana) vacationed with her sons in Nevis in January 1993.
In September 1993, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited the country to celebrate the 10th anniversary of independence.
Visits in the 21st Century
The Earl and Countess of Wessex (Prince Edward and his wife) visited in March 2012 to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (60 years on the throne). They met with the Governor-General and Prime Minister. They also watched cultural shows and Prince Edward unveiled a plaque. They visited the Brimstone Hill Fortress and a children's hospital.
Prince Harry visited in 2016, the year of the Queen's 90th birthday. He arrived on November 23 and was welcomed with a military parade. He attended a youth event at Brimstone Hill Fortress and unveiled a dedication to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Prince Harry then went by boat to Nevis, where he visited a turtle conservation project. In the evening, he attended a reception at Government House.
The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and the Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) visited Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2019. They arrived in Basseterre on March 21 and met local people. At the National Museum, they learned about the country's history. They then traveled to Nevis by boat and were welcomed by dancers. At Brimstone Hill Fortress, the Prince learned more about the area. The Duchess visited Hermitage Plantation House and met local women. In the evening, they attended a reception. During a speech, the Prince of Wales announced new scholarships for the Commonwealth.
Discussions About the Monarchy
In September 2022, Prime Minister Terrance Drew said his government wanted Saint Kitts and Nevis to become a republic. This would mean having its own head of state instead of the King. In May 2023, Drew suggested that Saint Kitts and Nevis was "not totally free" while King Charles III was the head of state. He said he would start public discussions about becoming a republic and also supported payments for slavery.
A survey in 2023 found that 52% of people supported keeping the monarchy, while 45% preferred Saint Kitts and Nevis to become a republic.
List of Saint Kitts and Nevis Monarchs
| Portrait | Regnal name (Born–Died) |
Time as Monarch of Saint Kitts and Nevis | Full name | Consort (Spouse) | Royal Family | |
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| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
19 September 1983 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-General: Sir Clement Arrindell, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Sir Edmund Lawrence, Sir Tapley Seaton Prime Ministers: Kennedy Simmonds, Denzil Douglas, Timothy Harris, Terrance Drew |
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Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-General: Sir Tapley Seaton, Dame Marcella Liburd Prime Ministers: Terrance Drew |
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Images for kids
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The flag of the Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, showing the St Edward's Crown
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The emblem of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force, featuring the Crown
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The emblem of the Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, featuring the Tudor Crown
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A Saint Kitts and Nevis stamp displaying St Edward's Crown
See also
In Spanish: Monarquía de San Cristóbal y Nieves para niños
- 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
