Monarchy of the Bahamas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of the Bahamas |
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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 | 10 July 1973 |
The monarchy of the Bahamas is a way the country is governed. It means a monarch (a king or queen) inherits their position and is the main leader, or head of state, of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Since September 8, 2022, King Charles III has been the Bahamian monarch and head of state. He represents the Bahamian Crown.
Even though King Charles III is also the monarch for 14 other independent countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate. So, he is officially called the King of the Bahamas. He and other members of the royal family do public and private duties for the Bahamian state. However, only the King has a role in the country's laws.
The King holds all the main government power. His approval is needed for the Bahamian Parliament to make laws. But 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. They act as a safety measure for the monarchy's role.
Today, the Crown mostly helps keep the government running smoothly and protects against anyone misusing power. While the King can do some things himself, most of his duties are carried out by his representative, the governor-general of the Bahamas.
Contents
How the Monarchy Started
In 1629, King Charles I gave land in America, including the Bahamas, to Robert Heath. A town called Charles Towne was started in 1660, named after King Charles II. Later, its name changed to Nassau when William III became king.
The Bahamas became a British crown colony in 1718. This happened when the British worked to stop piracy in the area.
In August 1940, the Duke of Windsor was made Governor of the Bahamas. He came to the islands with his wife, Wallis, Duchess of Windsor. People at the time praised the Duke for trying to help reduce poverty there.
In May 1963, a meeting in London discussed a new set of laws for the islands. The Bahamas gained full self-government, meaning they could run their own affairs. The governor kept power only for foreign matters, defense, and internal safety.
On July 10, 1973, Charles, Prince of Wales gave the official papers to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling. This officially made the Bahamas a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations. Soon after, Sir John Paul became the first governor-general of the Bahamas. He was the representative of Elizabeth II, who was then Queen of the Bahamas.
In 2013, King Charles remembered the independence celebrations. He said he was young enough to attend three parties that night! He also recalled dancing with Marguerite Pindling, the Prime Minister's wife.
The Bahamian Crown and Its Role
The Bahamas is one of fifteen independent countries called Commonwealth realms. These countries share the same monarch with other monarchies in the Commonwealth of Nations. The monarch's role in the Bahamas is completely separate from his role as monarch of any other realm. Even though they share the same person as their monarch, each Commonwealth realm, including the Bahamas, is independent. The Bahamian monarch is represented by a viceroy, the governor-general of the Bahamas.
Since the Bahamas became independent in 1973, the Crown has been both shared and separate. The monarch's role as King of the Bahamas is different from his role as monarch of the United Kingdom. This means the monarchy is no longer just a British idea; in the Bahamas, it has become a Bahamian institution.
This difference is shown in several ways. For example, the King has a special Bahamian title. When he acts publicly as a representative of the Bahamas, he uses Bahamian symbols. These include the country's national flag and unique royal symbols. Only Bahamian government ministers can advise the King on matters of the Bahamian state.
In the Bahamas, the government is officially called "His Majesty the King in Right of The Bahamas."
The Monarch's Title
After independence, Queen Elizabeth II, at the request of the Prime Minister, adopted special titles for her role as Queen of the Bahamas. On August 10, 1973, her title became: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
Since King Charles III became monarch, his title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
This title shows that the Bahamas is an independent monarchy. It highlights the Monarch's specific role as Sovereign of the Bahamas. Usually, the Monarch is called "King of the Bahamas." He is addressed this way when in the Bahamas or doing duties for the Bahamas abroad.
Oath of Loyalty
The monarch is the focus of oaths of loyalty. This is a promise made in return for the sovereign's Coronation Oath. In that oath, the monarch promises to govern the people of their realms according to their laws and customs.
The oath of loyalty in the Bahamas is:
"I, (name), do swear 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
Like some other realms, the Bahamas follows United Kingdom law to decide who will be the next monarch.
Succession is based on primogeniture, meaning the eldest child inherits. This is set by laws like the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, the Act of Settlement 1701, and the Bill of Rights 1689. These laws say that only natural, legitimate descendants 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 apply to the Bahamas, neither the UK nor the Bahamas can change them without all the other realms agreeing. This is like a treaty among these countries.
When a monarch dies or steps down, the new monarch immediately takes over. There is no need for a special ceremony. The governor-general usually announces the new monarch in Nassau. A period of mourning follows, with flags flown at half-mast. The day of the funeral is often a public holiday.
The King's Role in Government
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The Bahamian constitution sets up a parliamentary system under a constitutional monarchy. This means the King and governor-general have legal and practical roles, but not political ones. The Crown is seen as a body where different parts share power, with the King at the center. All state powers are legally held by the Bahamian monarch. The government of the Bahamas is officially called His Majesty's Government.
Most of the King's duties in the Bahamas are done by the governor-general. The governor-general is chosen by the King based on the advice of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas.
All government bodies act under the King's authority. The many powers belonging to the Bahamian Crown are called the Royal prerogative. Parliament does not need to approve the use of these powers. Also, Parliament cannot even discuss a bill that affects the King's powers or interests without the Crown's permission.
Executive Power
One main duty of the Crown is to appoint a prime minister. The prime minister then leads the Bahamian cabinet. They advise the King or governor-general on how to use their executive powers. These powers cover all government operations and foreign affairs. The King's and governor-general's role is mostly symbolic. They represent the legal authority for all government actions. The Cabinet directs how the Royal Prerogative is used. This includes declaring war, keeping peace, and directing the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. It also includes calling and ending parliament sessions and calling elections. However, the Royal Prerogative belongs to the Crown, not the ministers. The constitution allows the governor-general to use these powers alone in special situations. For example, they can dismiss a prime minister or dissolve parliament.
Some duties are done only by the monarch, like appointing the governor-general.
To keep the Bahamian government stable, the governor-general appoints the person most likely to have the support of the Bahamian House of Assembly as prime minister. The governor-general also appoints a Cabinet, with at least eight other ministers, as directed by the prime minister. The King is kept informed by his representative about resignations and new appointments. He stays updated through regular messages from his Bahamian ministers. Members of various government agencies are also appointed by the Crown. The appointment of senators and Supreme Court judges also falls under the Royal Prerogative.
Foreign Affairs
The Royal Prerogative also covers foreign affairs. The governor-general approves treaties, alliances, and international agreements. Like other uses of the Royal Prerogative, no parliamentary approval is needed. However, a treaty cannot change Bahamian laws; an Act of Parliament is needed for that. The governor-general, for the King, also approves Bahamian ambassadors and receives diplomats from other countries. Also, passports are issued under the Royal Prerogative. So, all Bahamian passports are issued in the governor-general's name.
Parliament's Role
The King, along with the Senate and the House of Assembly, makes up the three parts of the Bahamian parliament.
However, the King does not take part in making laws. The governor-general does, but only by giving royal assent (approval). The constitution also says that only the governor-general appoints senators. The governor-general must appoint nine senators based on the prime minister's advice. Four are appointed on the advice of the leader of the opposition. Three are appointed on the advice of both. The governor-general also calls, ends, and dissolves parliament. After parliament is dissolved, the papers for a general election are usually signed by the governor-general.
A new parliamentary session starts with the Opening of Parliament. During this, the King or the governor-general reads the Speech from the Throne.
All laws in the Bahamas become official only when the governor-general gives royal assent in the King's name. This royal approval is needed for all acts of parliament. It is usually given or withheld by the governor-general, using the Public Seal of the Bahamas.
Courts and Justice
In the Commonwealth realms, the King is responsible for providing justice for all his people. He is seen as the fount of justice, meaning the source of all justice. In the Bahamas, crimes are legally seen as offenses against the King. Lawsuits for serious crimes are brought in the King's name, like The King versus [Name]. This means the King "can do no wrong"; he cannot be charged in his own courts for crimes.
All Supreme Court judges are appointed by the governor-general. When they start their job, all Bahamian judges must swear an oath to the King. Under the Official Oaths Act, the Judicial Oath is:
"I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, in the office of ________ and will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of the Bahamas without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God."
The governor-general, for the Bahamian monarch, can also grant protection from being charged. They can 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 a pardon and reduce prison sentences is described in section 90 of the Constitution.
Cultural Role
The Bahamian monarch sends congratulatory messages to Bahamian citizens. These are sent to those celebrating their 100th birthday. They are also sent to married couples on their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries.
The Crown and Honours
In the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is seen as the fount of honour. This means the King, as Sovereign of the Bahamas, gives out awards and honours in the Bahamas in his name. Most of these are given based on the advice of "His Majesty's Bahamas Ministers."
In 2016, the Bahamas created seven national orders through the National Honours Act 2016. The King's representative, the governor-general, is the leader of all these orders.
The Crown and the Defence Force
The Crown is at the top of the Bahamian Defence Force. This is shown in the Bahamas' naval ships, which have the prefix HMBS. This stands for His Majesty's Bahamian Ship.
The Defence Force of the Bahamas is known as "The Royal Bahamas Defence Force". The monarch is the Head of the RBDF.
In September 1979, Princess Anne visited the Bahamas Defence Force Base. She unveiled a plaque naming the Base "Her Majesty's Bahamian Ship Coral Harbour." The Princess officially gave the Force the title "Royal." After that, it became known as the "Royal Bahamas Defence Force."
Every member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force must swear loyalty to the Bahamian monarch when they join. The oath is:
"I, (name), swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend the Commonwealth of The Bahamas against all enemies, and will observe and obey all lawful orders of Commander Defence Force and of the officers, warrant officers and marines set above me."
The Crown and the Police Force
The national police force of the Bahamas is called "The Royal Bahamas Police Force".
The St. Edward's Crown appears on the Bahamian Police's badges and rank symbols. This shows that the monarchy is the source of authority.
Every member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force must swear loyalty to the monarch of the Bahamas when they start their job. Under the Bahamian Police Service Act, the oath of office, taken after 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 _____ without favour or affection, malice or ill will, and that I will cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and preserved; and that I will prevent, to the utmost of my power, all offences against the same; and while I shall continue to hold the said office I will, to the best of my skill and knowledge, discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law. So help me God."
Bahamian Royal Symbols
The main symbol of the Bahamian monarchy is the King himself. So, framed pictures of him are displayed in public buildings and government offices. Banknotes in the Bahamas feature the monarch's portrait. The monarch also appears on special Bahamian stamps.
A crown is also used to show the monarchy as the source of authority. It appears on the rank symbols of police, postal workers, and prison officers.
God Save the King is the royal song of the Bahamas.
New Bahamian citizens must promise loyalty to the monarch of the Bahamas and his heirs. This is part of the Bahamian Oath of Citizenship.
Royal Visits
Members of the royal family have visited the Bahamas many times.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited in February 1966. In July 1973, Charles, Prince of Wales, represented the Queen at the Bahamian independence celebrations. The Queen and her husband returned in February 1975 and again in October 1977. Princess Anne visited in 1979 to celebrate 250 years of Bahamian democracy.
Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, visited in 1982 for a 10-day vacation. The Queen and Prince Philip visited Nassau in October 1985. They visited again in March 1994.
Prince Harry visited the Bahamas in March 2012. This was part of his Caribbean tour to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He said the country's motto, "Forward, Upward, Onward, Together," showed the Queen's lifelong service. Princess Anne visited in 2015. The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited in 2016.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge toured the country in March 2022. This was to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited in February 2023 for a youth awards ceremony.
Debate About the Monarchy
The monarchy has not been a big topic of discussion in the Bahamas. A group that looked into the constitution found "mixed feelings" about making the governor-general a president. Many people did not have strong opinions. In 2020, former Attorney General Sean McWeeney said the Bahamas might become a republic eventually. But he noted there isn't much public interest or political will for it yet. Some smaller parties, like the Coalition of Independents (COI), support becoming a republic.
After Charles III became King, Prime Minister Philip Davis said his government plans to hold a vote on becoming a republic. However, most Bahamians support keeping their monarchy. They do not have strong feelings about becoming a republic.
List of Bahamian Monarchs
| Portrait | Monarch's Name (Born–Died) |
Time as Monarch of the Bahamas | Full Name | Spouse | Royal House | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | |||||
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Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
10 July 1973 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor |
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Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor |
See also
- The Bahamas Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta
- 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
