Monarchy of Saint Lucia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Saint Lucia |
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Coat of arms of Saint Lucia
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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 | 22 February 1979 |
Saint Lucia has a special type of government called a monarchy. This means a king or queen is the official leader, or head of state, of the country. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the King of Saint Lucia. He represents the 'Crown' of Saint Lucia.
Even though King Charles III is also the monarch for 14 other countries in the Commonwealth, his role in Saint Lucia is unique and separate. He is officially called the King of Saint Lucia. When he or other members of the Royal Family visit or work for Saint Lucia, they represent the country. However, only the King has a real role in the country's laws.
The King holds all the main powers of the government. For example, laws passed by the Parliament of Saint Lucia need his approval to become official. Most of these powers are used by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. Other powers, like firing a prime minister, are very important but are only used in special situations. These powers help keep the government stable and prevent anyone from abusing power.
The Crown helps make sure the government runs smoothly and fairly. While the King has some special powers, most of his daily duties are carried out by his representative in Saint Lucia, the Governor-General.
Contents
How the Monarchy Started
The French were the first Europeans to settle in Saint Lucia. They made a deal with the native Island Caribs in 1660. England then took control of the island from 1663 to 1667. For many years, England and France fought over Saint Lucia, and the island's rule changed often.
Finally, in 1814, Saint Lucia officially became a British colony after a peace treaty. From 1838 to 1885, it was managed by the governor of Barbados. Saint Lucia gained some self-rule with a new constitution in 1924.
After trying to join a group of West Indian colonies in 1958, Saint Lucia continued to govern itself. On March 1, 1967, it became an "associated state" with the United Kingdom. Saint Lucia became fully independent on February 22, 1979. It chose to remain a part of the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and Queen of Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia continues to cherish and benefit from its long standing relationship with the monarchy which has taken this island from colonialism through Associated Statehood and now Independence.
Princess Alexandra represented Queen Elizabeth II at the independence celebrations in 1979. She officially opened the first meeting of the new parliament on February 22.
The Crown of Saint Lucia
I know that she regards her role as your head of state and your Queen as being an enormous privilege as you have developed as a nation the fact that you wanted to remain as a realm and wanted the Queen to remain as your Queen, is something that has always meant a great deal to her and she has always taken a particular interest in all of her realms and she follows your fortunes here in Saint Lucia with great interest.
Saint Lucia is one of fifteen independent countries called Commonwealth realms. These countries share the same monarch. However, the monarch's role in Saint Lucia is completely separate from his role in any other country. Even though they share the same person as monarch, each Commonwealth realm is its own independent country.
The monarch is represented in Saint Lucia by the Governor-General. Since Saint Lucia became independent in 1979, the Crown has been both shared and unique. The monarch's role as King of Saint Lucia is different from his role as monarch of the United Kingdom. The monarchy is no longer just a British idea; it has become a Saint Lucian one.
This difference is shown in several ways. For example, the King has a special Saint Lucian title. When he acts as a representative of Saint Lucia, he uses Saint Lucian symbols. This includes the country's national flag and unique royal symbols. Also, only Saint Lucian government ministers can advise the King on matters related to Saint Lucia.
In Saint Lucia, the government is officially known as "The Crown in right of Saint Lucia."
The King's Title
In Saint Lucia, the King's official title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Saint Lucia and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
This title shows that Saint Lucia is an independent monarchy. It highlights the King's role specifically as the leader of Saint Lucia. It also shows that the Crown is shared among several countries. Usually, the King is simply called "King of Saint Lucia" when he is in the country or working for Saint Lucia abroad.
Who Becomes King or Queen Next?
Like some other countries, Saint Lucia follows the United Kingdom's laws to decide who will be the next King or Queen.
The rules for who inherits the throne are based on "absolute primogeniture." This means the oldest child, regardless of gender, inherits the throne. These rules come from laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. They also state that the monarch must be a descendant of Sophia, Electress of Hanover. The monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic and must be part of the Church of England.
Even though these laws apply to Saint Lucia, neither the United Kingdom nor Saint Lucia can change them alone. All the countries that share the monarch must agree to any changes. This is like a special agreement among these countries.
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When a monarch dies or steps down, the new monarch immediately takes their place. There is no need for a special ceremony. After the monarch's death, the Governor-General usually announces the new monarch in Castries, the capital. A period of mourning follows, and flags are flown at half-mast to honor the late monarch.
The King's Role in Government
On my assuming office, I chose as my Mission Statement to truly and faithfully represent the Sovereign in Saint Lucia in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, to foster national unity and identity at home and abroad, to promote our national economic, cultural and social interests and to encourage excellence in all fields of endeavours.
Saint Lucia's Constitution sets up a parliamentary system with a constitutional monarchy. This means the King and Governor-General have legal and practical roles, but they do not get involved in politics. The Crown is seen as a body where different parts share power, with the monarch at the center. All government powers are officially held by the monarch. The government of Saint Lucia is formally called His Majesty's Government of Saint Lucia.
Most of the King's duties in Saint Lucia 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 Lucia.
All government bodies act under the King's authority. The many powers of the Saint Lucian Crown are known as the Royal Prerogative. Parliament does not need to approve the use of these powers. In fact, Parliament cannot even discuss a bill that affects the King's powers or interests 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 and advises the King or Governor-General on how to run the government and handle foreign affairs. The King's role is mostly symbolic. He represents the legal authority for all government actions. The cabinet decides how to use the Royal Prerogative. This includes declaring war, keeping peace, and calling elections.
It's important to remember that the Royal Prerogative belongs to the Crown, not to the ministers. However, the Constitution allows the Governor-General to use these powers alone in special cases. This might happen if a prime minister needs to be dismissed, parliament needs to be dissolved, or a judge needs to be removed during a 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 appoints the person most likely to have the support of the Saint Lucian House of Assembly as prime minister. The Governor-General also appoints other ministers, as advised by the prime minister. The King is kept informed by the Governor-General about government changes and receives regular updates from his Saint Lucian ministers.
Dealing with Other Countries
The King's powers also extend to foreign affairs. The Governor-General approves treaties, alliances, and international agreements. No parliamentary approval is needed for this. However, a treaty cannot change Saint Lucian laws without an Act of Parliament. The King, through the Governor-General, also approves Saint Lucian ambassadors and welcomes diplomats from other countries.
In foreign policy, the King acts only on the advice of the Saint Lucian government. This can sometimes lead to interesting situations. For example, in 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Saint Lucia, approved a new Saint Lucian ambassador to Venezuela's president. But as Queen of the United Kingdom, she recognized a different person as Venezuela's head of state.
Also, Saint Lucian passports are issued in the King's name.
The King and Parliament
The King, along with the Senate and the House of Assembly, makes up the three parts of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.
However, the King does not take part in making laws. The Governor-General does, but only by giving Royal Assent (approval). The Constitution also states that the Governor-General alone appoints senators. The Governor-General appoints six senators based on the prime minister's advice. Three are chosen based on the leader of the opposition's advice, and two are chosen at the Governor-General's own choice. The Governor-General also calls, pauses, and ends parliamentary sessions. After a session ends, new election notices are usually issued by the Governor-General.
A new parliamentary session begins with the Opening of Parliament. During this event, the King or the Governor-General reads the Speech from the Throne. Members of Parliament also promise loyalty to the monarch at the start of each session.
All laws in Saint Lucia become official only when the Governor-General gives Royal Assent in the King's name. So, bills start with the phrase: "Be it enacted by the King's Most Excellent Majesty..." This approval is needed for all acts of parliament.
The King and the Courts
The King is seen as the "source of justice." He is responsible for making sure justice is served for everyone. The King does not personally decide court cases. Instead, judges carry out their duties in his name. In Saint Lucia, crimes are legally seen as offenses against the King. So, criminal cases are called The King [or Queen] versus [Name]. This means the King cannot be charged with crimes in his own courts.
The Governor-General, on behalf of the King, can also grant immunity from prosecution. This means he can stop someone from being charged. He can also use the royal prerogative of mercy to pardon offenses against the Crown. This can happen before, during, or after a trial. The power to grant pardons and reduce prison sentences is described in section 74 of the Constitution.
The King's Cultural Role
The Crown and Awards
In the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is the "source of honor." This means the King, as Sovereign of Saint Lucia, gives out awards and honors in his name. Most of these awards are given based on the advice of "His Majesty's Saint Lucia Ministers."
Saint Lucia has its own special awards system called the Order of Saint Lucia. It was created on December 13, 1986, by the Queen of Saint Lucia. The Saint Lucian monarch is the head of this order, and the Governor-General is its leader. In 2016, for the first time, the Queen approved giving out knighthoods and damehoods within the Order of Saint Lucia.
The Crown and the Police Force
Saint Lucia's national police force is called "The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force".
The St. Edward's Crown appears on the Police's badges and rank symbols. This shows that the monarchy is the source of their authority.
Every member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force must promise loyalty to the King of Saint Lucia when they start their job. The Police Act of Saint Lucia states that every police officer must make this promise:
"I, (name), do hereby swear by Almighty God (or do hereby solemnly and sincerely affirm) 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 Saint Lucia Police Force, that I will subject myself to all Acts, orders and regulations relating to the said Force now in force or which may from time to time be in force and will discharge all the duties of a police officer according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."
Saint Lucian Royal Symbols
The main symbol of the Saint Lucian monarchy is the King himself. So, his framed pictures are displayed in public buildings and government offices.
The former Queen also appears on special stamps from Saint Lucia. 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 Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
Royal Visits to Saint Lucia
Many members of the Royal Family have visited Saint Lucia over the years. These visits often mark important moments in the country's history.
Queen Elizabeth II first visited Saint Lucia in 1966 as part of her Caribbean tour. During her visit, she opened a new research center. She and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, traveled on the royal yacht. They enjoyed traditional Saint Lucian dances and fireworks. In 1979, Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy represented the Queen at the independence celebrations. In 1985, the Queen laid the foundation stone for a new Red Cross building. She also visited homes for the elderly and schools. They met children involved in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Charles, Prince of Wales, visited in 1989 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of independence. The Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1998 as chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The Duke of York visited Saint Lucia in 2004 to celebrate 25 years of independence. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited in March 2008.
In 2012, the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. They also took part in the independence anniversary celebrations. Prince Harry visited in 2016. He watched a cricket match, visited a street market, and saw conservation projects. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited in 2019 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Saint Lucia's independence. He watched a ceremony and military parade in Castries. The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited in April 2022 to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. During their visit, they attended a church service, visited Morne Fortune, met locals, and met students from six Saint Lucian schools.
Kings and Queens of Saint Lucia
| Portrait | Name of Monarch (Born–Died) |
Time as Monarch of Saint Lucia | Full Name | Spouse | Royal Family | |
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| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
22 February 1979 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-General during her reign: Sir Allen Montgomery Lewis, Boswell Williams, Sir Stanislaus A. James, Sir George Mallet, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Sir Neville Cenac, Errol Charles (acting) Prime Ministers during her reign: Sir John Compton, Allan Louisy, Winston Cenac, Vaughan Lewis, Kenny Anthony, Stephenson King, Allen Chastanet, Philip J. Pierre |
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Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-General during his reign: Errol Charles (acting) Prime Ministers during his reign: Philip J. Pierre |
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Images for kids
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The flag of the Saint Lucian Governor-General, showing the St Edward's Crown.
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The emblem of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, featuring the Crown.
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The arch above the gates of Government House, with an inscription about the Queen's first visit in 1966.
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A Saint Lucian stamp featuring the Crown.
See also
- History of Saint Lucia
- 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
