The British monarchy oversees 15 realms, extending beyond the United Kingdom.

These realms, known as the Commonwealth realms, operate with the monarch as the head of state but not the head of government.

Despite this, the monarch holds constitutional duties such as approving governments and granting state honors, while political decisions are made by the Parliament and executed by the Prime Minister.

Following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, questions arise about the future of these realms under the monarchy.

Let’s delve into some of these territories, starting with Canada.

Once under French and then British rule, Canada gained independence gradually, with the Constitution Act of 1982 solidifying its autonomy.

Each of Canada’s ten provinces has its own Parliament and administration, with a lieutenant-governor representing the monarch.

Jamaica, another realm under the British monarchy, obtained independence in 1962.

The country operates with its own government headed by the Prime Minister, while a governor appointed by the Prime Minister represents the sovereign.

The governor’s role includes approving laws passed by the Jamaican Parliament and setting election dates.

New Zealand, originally a British colony, gained self-government in 1852.

The realm of New Zealand encompasses three autonomous legal systems, with the monarch acting on ministerial advice.

The monarch appoints a governor-general to represent them and holds ceremonial roles within the armed forces.

Papua New Guinea, after years of external rule, achieved independence in 1975.

As a Commonwealth realm, it operates with a governor-general elected by the Parliament.

Similarly, Australia, a sovereign country, functions under the monarchy, with the monarch represented by a governor-general.

Belize, a Caribbean nation, gained independence from the UK in 1981.

Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Belize’s head of state is the monarch, represented by a governor-general.

The Bahamas, another former British colony, became independent in 1973, with the monarch serving as its head of state.

Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Solomon Islands, St. Lucia, Tuvalu, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the United Kingdom itself are among the other realms under the British monarchy.

Each of these territories operates with varying degrees of autonomy while maintaining ties to the British Crown.

The future of these realms under the new British monarch remains uncertain, raising questions about their continued allegiance to the monarchy.