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 9 September 2022 |
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| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | William, Duke of Cambridge |
| First monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Formation | 7 July 1978 |
| Residence | Government House, Honiara |
Template:Politics of Solomon Islands
The monarchy of Solomon Islands is a system of government in which a constitutional monarch is the head of state of Solomon Islands. The present monarch is King Charles III, who is also the head of state of fourteen other Commonwealth realms. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled the King of Solomon Islands and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Solomon Islands. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
While several powers are of the sovereign alone, most of the constitutional and ceremonial duties in Solomon Islands are carried out by the King's representative, the governor-general of Solomon Islands.
History
Solomon Islands gained self-government in 1976 following the independence of neighbouring Papua New Guinea from Australia in 1975. As a protectorate the Solomon Islands protectorate had never been under the sovereignty of the British monarch. It had never formed part of Her Majesty’s dominions. Under the Solomon Islands Act 1978 the territory was formally annexed and granted independence. The new sovereign democratic state was established with the Queen or King as head of state. The new constitution, providing for fully responsible status within the Commonwealth, took effect under The Solomon Islands Independence Order 1978, an order in council which had been requested by the Legislative Assembly. It was made under the Foreign Jurisdiction Act 1890, and came into operation on 7 July 1978.
