Monarchy of Solomon Islands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of Solomon Islands |
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Coat of arms of Solomon Islands
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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 | 7 July 1978 |
The monarchy of Solomon Islands is a special way the country is governed. It means that a monarch (a king or queen) is the official head of state. This role is passed down through families. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the monarch of Solomon Islands.
The King is like the symbol of the country's government. Even though he is also the monarch for 14 other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate. This means King Charles III is officially called the King of Solomon Islands. He and other royal family members do public and private jobs for Solomon Islands. But only the King has a real role in the country's laws.
The King has all the main power, but he doesn't use it directly. For new laws to be made, the King's approval is needed. But this power actually comes from the people of Solomon Islands. Most of the King's powers are used by elected members of parliament, government ministers, and judges. The King's role today is mostly to make sure the government runs smoothly. He also helps prevent anyone from using too much power. The governor-general acts for the King in Solomon Islands.
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How the Monarchy Started
In 1884, Germany took control of some areas near Solomon Islands. By 1886, Germany and Britain agreed on who controlled which parts. Britain then gained influence over the southern Solomon Islands. In 1893, the British Solomon Islands Protectorate was officially created. This was to control how islanders and Europeans interacted. It also stopped France from trying to take over. British rule began in 1896.
During World War II, there was a lot of fighting in the Solomon Islands. This included the famous Battle of Guadalcanal. After the war, Honiara became the new capital city. The Solomon Islands then began to develop its own government.
In 1960, councils were set up to help govern the islands. More Solomon Islanders were elected to these councils over time. A new constitution in 1970 combined these councils. However, the British Governor still had a lot of power. By 1974, the Governor's power was reduced. A new position, the Chief Minister, was created. Solomon Islands became fully self-governing in 1976.
The country became an independent nation on July 7, 1978. It became a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. She was then known as the Queen of Solomon Islands. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester represented the Queen at the independence celebrations. He gave a speech in Pijin, saying it was a "big day" for the country.
The Crown of Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands is one of fifteen independent countries that share the same monarch. These countries are called Commonwealth realms. The King's role in Solomon Islands is completely separate from his role in any other country. Even though they share a monarch, each Commonwealth realm is independent.
The King is represented in Solomon Islands by a viceroy, who is the governor-general. Since 1978, the monarchy in Solomon Islands has become a "domesticated" institution. This means it is a Solomon Island institution, not just a British one.
This separation is shown in many ways. For example, the King has a special Solomon Island title. When he acts for Solomon Islands, he uses national symbols like the country's flag. Also, only Solomon Island government ministers can advise the King on matters related to Solomon Islands. The government of Solomon Islands is officially called "His Majesty's Government of Solomon Islands."
King's Official Title
When Solomon Islands became independent in 1978, Queen Elizabeth II became its head of state. But it wasn't until 2013 that a law was passed to give the monarch a special title for Solomon Islands. This law is called the Royal Style and Titles Act 2013.
After this law, Queen Elizabeth II's official title became: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Solomon Islands and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Now that King Charles III is the monarch, his title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Solomon Islands and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
When Queen Elizabeth II first visited Solomon Islands in 1974, she was given a special title. Chief Simeon Kariqwongi called her Fau Ni Qweraasi, which means "a people’s protector."
Oath of Loyalty
People in Solomon Islands swear loyalty to the monarch. This is because the monarch promises to govern the people fairly, following their laws and customs.
The oath of loyalty in Solomon Islands is:
"I, (name), swear [or solemnly affirm] that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. [So help me God.]"
Who Becomes Monarch Next?
Solomon Islands follows the same rules as the United Kingdom to decide who becomes the next monarch. This is based on laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. These laws say that the monarch must be a descendant of Sophia, Electress of Hanover. They also state that the monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic.
When a monarch dies or steps down, their heir immediately becomes the new monarch. No special ceremony is needed right away. After a monarch passes away, there is a period of mourning. Flags are flown at half-mast across the country. A day of mourning is often a public holiday.
The King's Role in Government
The Constitution of Solomon Islands sets up a government system similar to other Commonwealth countries. All the power of the people of Solomon Islands belongs to the monarch. The governor-general represents the monarch in the country. The National Parliament chooses the governor-general.
The King and the governor-general have both legal and practical roles. The government of Solomon Islands is formally known as His Majesty's Government of Solomon Islands.
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The many powers that belong to the King are called the Royal Prerogative. These powers include making treaties and sending ambassadors. They also include duties like defending the country and keeping peace.
Government Leaders
The prime minister leads the Cabinet of Solomon Islands. The prime minister advises the King or governor-general on how to use their powers. 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 or setting election dates.
The King also has a few specific duties, like appointing the governor-general. The prime minister is chosen by the members of the National Parliament. The governor-general then appoints the Cabinet members, following the prime minister's advice. The King is kept informed about changes in government leaders.
Dealing with Other Countries
The King's power also extends to foreign affairs. The King or governor-general can make treaties and agreements with other countries. Parliament does not need to approve these. However, a treaty cannot change Solomon Islands' laws without a new Act of Parliament. The governor-general also welcomes diplomats from other countries.
Also, Solomon Islands passports are issued in the governor-general's name. This is because it falls under the King's authority.
Parliament's Role
All laws in Solomon Islands need the governor-general's approval to become official. This approval cannot be refused. The governor-general also calls for parliament to meet. They can also end a parliamentary session or dissolve parliament. After parliament is dissolved, new elections are held.
A new parliamentary session begins with the State Opening of Parliament. During this event, the King or the governor-general reads a special speech.
Courts and Justice
The King is responsible for making sure justice is served for everyone. In Solomon Islands, crimes are seen as offenses against the King. Legal cases are brought in the King's name, for example, The King versus [Name]. The King cannot be charged with crimes in his own courts.
The governor-general can also grant immunity from being charged with a crime. They can also pardon people who have committed offenses. This means they can forgive crimes or reduce prison sentences. This power is described in section 45 of the Constitution. Judges of the High Court are appointed by the governor-general.
Cultural Importance
The King's Official Birthday is a public holiday in Solomon Islands. It is usually celebrated on the second Saturday of June each year. This day is very important in the country. The day starts with a police band parade in Honiara. Rallies are held across the islands. There are also sporting events and traditional dancing. Celebrations and parties continue late into the night.
On the King's Birthday, the governor-general gives a speech. Awards and medals are given to people who have helped Solomon Islands.
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Awards and Honours
The King gives out awards and honours in Solomon Islands. Most of these are given based on the advice of Solomon Island ministers.
In 1981, the governor-general was allowed to create the Order of Solomon Islands. This order has three levels: the Star of Solomon Islands, the Cross of Solomon Islands, and the Solomon Islands Medal. In 1982, Queen Elizabeth II was the first person to receive the Star of Solomon Islands. King Charles III received the same honour in 2024.
The Police Force
The police force in Solomon Islands is called the "Royal Solomon Islands Police Force". Queen Elizabeth II gave them the title "Royal" in 1978.
The King is at the top of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. All police officers must swear loyalty to the King of Solomon Islands before they start their job. The oath they take is:
"I, (name), Swear by Almighty God that I will well and truly serve His Majesty, King Charles the Third, King of Solomon Islands and will execute the powers and duties of my office honestly, faithfully and diligently without favour or affection, malice or ill-will towards any person and I will obey, uphold and maintain the laws of Solomon Islands. To the best of my power, I will seek and cause the peace to be preserved and will prevent all offences against the peace to the best of my skill and knowledge, and discharge all duties faithfully according to law."
The St. Edward's Crown is on the police badges. This shows that the King is the source of their authority.
Royal Family Visits
Members of the royal family have visited Solomon Islands many times. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visited in 1959 and 1971. The Duke and Duchess of Kent visited in 1969.
Queen Elizabeth II first visited in 1974 with Prince Philip and other family members. In 1978, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester came for the independence celebrations. The Queen and her husband visited again in 1982.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited in 2008 for the 30th Independence Anniversary. They visited schools, hospitals, and memorials. The Duke also spoke to the National Parliament.
Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, visited in 2012. This was to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. They saw traditional performances and visited a memorial. They also traveled on a traditional war canoe.
Charles, Prince of Wales visited in 2019. He attended a church service and a wreath-laying ceremony. He also spoke to the National Parliament.
Future of the Monarchy
When Solomon Islands became independent, some people wanted to keep the monarchy. Others in the government wanted the country to become a republic. This would mean having a president instead of a monarch.
In 1980, the prime minister's party wanted to replace the monarchy with a Solomon Islander president. Later, another prime minister also supported this idea. A committee was formed to change the constitution. They suggested getting rid of the monarchy. They wanted only Solomon Islanders to be president. This president would have more power than the governor-general. But these changes did not happen.
More recently, there have been talks about changing the constitution again. A draft constitution in 2004 suggested Solomon Islands become a federal republic. Later drafts in 2009 and 2011 also suggested this. A new draft constitution for a republic was released in 2018.
In 2022, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare promised to make a new federal constitution by 2026. In 2023, the government changed the constitution to allow for this process. A group will approve a final constitution for a vote in parliament.
A poll in 2023 showed that 59% of people in Solomon Islands wanted an elected head of state. 34% wanted to keep the monarchy.
List of Solomon Island Monarchs
| Portrait | Regnal name (Born–Died) |
Reign over Solomon Islands | Full name | Consort | House | |
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| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
7 July 1978 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir Baddeley Devesi, Sir George Lepping, Sir Moses Pitakaka, Sir John Lapli, Sir Nathaniel Waena, Sir Frank Kabui, Sir David Vunagi Prime ministers: Peter Kenilorea, Solomon Mamaloni, Ezekiel Alebua, Francis Billy Hilly, Bartholomew Ulufa'alu, Manasseh Sogavare, Allan Kemakeza, Snyder Rini, Derek Sikua, Danny Philip, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Rick Houenipwela |
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Charles III (born 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
| Governors-general: Sir David Vunagi, David Tiva Kapu Prime ministers: Manasseh Sogavare, Jeremiah Manele |
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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 Oceania
- List of monarchies
