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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Milo Boyd

Two countries consider becoming republics after Queen's death

Two countries have made steps towards becoming republics following the death of the Queen.

In the wake of Her Majesty death, Antigua and Barbuda announced on Saturday plans for referendum on becoming a republic with an elected head of state.

Belize, one of 14 other countries, excluding the UK, that now have King Charles as head of state, has already confirmed a constitutional review.

The countries are the first to indicate a move away from the British king. In addition to the UK, King Charles III also represents Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.

The Queen visiting Belize in 1985. The country is one of 16 nations that now has Charles III has head of state (Popperfoto via Getty Images)

After 70 years of continuous rule by Elizabeth II, Charles will be tasked with presiding over a diverse selection of countries, all at different stages of their post-colonial history.

The British monarchy's role within the country's lost history of empire and its part in the slave trade has been leading to uncomfortable questions about the family's current role in other nation's constitutions.

In 2021 Barbados became a republic when it removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.

Jamaica may soon have to decide whether to make a similar move, as a referendum may be needed to appoint Charles as the new head of state, the Guardian reports.

Last year Jamaica's government said it would be asking the UK for compensation for the 600,000 African people who were taken to the country as part of the slave trade.

(PA)

Over the weekend Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, announced plans to hold a referendum within the next three years.

"This is a matter that has to be taken to a referendum for the people to decide," Browne told ITV News.

"It does not represent any form of disrespect to the monarch. This is not an act of hostility, or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy.

"It is a final step to complete the circle of independence to become a truly sovereign nation."

Over the weekend Australia and New Zealand proclaimed Charles III as head of state at ceremonies in their respective capitals.

(PA)

The republican movements in each country, as well as many of the others where Charles will reign, are likely to take the Queen's death as an impetuous to break away from the monarchy.

Such movements may have more success following the Queen's death, given the admiration the monarch inspired in many part of the world.

In 2011, as the Queen made what would be her last visit to Australia, actor Hugh Jackman said: “Even the republicans, the ones in Australia who want to see Australia move on, still have great respect and love for the Queen. I’ve never heard anyone say different.”

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