Commonwealth realm

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1937_Imperial_Conference

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Commonwealth realm

A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state that is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and shares the same person, currently Charles III, as its monarch and head of state. Each realm functions as an independent and equal member of the Commonwealth of Nations, with its own distinct legal and political systems.

History

The concept of Commonwealth realms originated with the Statute of Westminster 1931, which established legislative equality between the self-governing dominions of the British Empire and the United Kingdom. This statute marked the beginning of the transformation of the British Empire into the modern Commonwealth of Nations.

Governance

Each Commonwealth realm operates under a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch's powers are regulated by a constitution or similar legal framework. The monarch is represented in each realm by a Governor-General, who performs ceremonial duties and acts on the advice of the realm's government.

List of Current Commonwealth Realms

As of the current date, the following countries are Commonwealth realms:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Solomon Islands
• Tuvalu
• United Kingdom

Role of the Monarch

The monarch's role in each Commonwealth realm is largely ceremonial. The day-to-day affairs of the government are managed by elected officials, with the monarch's duties including the opening of parliament, granting royal assent to legislation, and representing the realm at official events.

Governor-General

The Governor-General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the realm's Prime Minister. The Governor-General performs various ceremonial functions and ensures the continuity of government. In some realms, the Governor-General also has reserve powers to act in exceptional circumstances.

Legal and Political Systems

Each Commonwealth realm has its own legal and political systems, which are independent of each other. These systems are based on the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, with variations to suit local contexts.

Related Pages

• Commonwealth of Nations
• Monarchy of the United Kingdom
• Governor-General
• Statute of Westminster 1931
• Westminster system
• Constitutional monarchy