From King to Commoner: Is Charles III's Reign in 15 Realms Coming to an End

Coronation Day of Charles III and Camilla

The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla is an event that has captured the attention of people across the UK and around the world. The ceremony, scheduled for May 6th, 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London, is a state occasion that will see the new King and Queen crowned in a grand ceremony attended by heads of state, government officials, and other dignitaries from around the world.

Commonwealth Realms King Charles III Could Rule

The Commonwealth realms are composed of 15 independent nations that were previously under British Empire rule. These countries share the recognition of the British monarch as their head of state, although their cultures, political systems, and geographical locations vary significantly. In these countries, the monarch's role is mostly ceremonial, with a governor-general or similar representative performing official duties. Charles III is expected to become the next monarch of the Commonwealth realms but this could be up for debate for many commonwealth countries.

The Challenge Charles III Faces as King

King Charles III faces challenges in the context of countries that are considering leaving the monarchy, especially in the Commonwealth Realms. Although he is expected to become the next monarch of these 15 independent nations, there is a debate in some countries about transitioning to a republic. The process of conducting referendums for this transition varies from country to country, with some requiring a simple majority of voters, while others demand a two-thirds majority, making the transition more challenging.

We will now discuss the following countries that could leave the Commonwealth Realms: St Kitts and Nevis, Australia, and Canada.

St Kitts and Nevis

The UK's influence over St Kitts and Nevis is evident in the country's choice of national sport. Despite gaining independence almost four decades ago, there is an ongoing debate in St Kitts and Nevis about whether to transition to a republic. When questioned about this topic, locals express mixed views, with some expressing uncertainty about the benefits of having King Charles III as the head of state. Others view becoming a republic as a way of demonstrating their nation's self-sufficiency. While St Kitts and Nevis may take some time to make such a transition, Barbados and other Caribbean nations have already taken this step in 2021.

The process of conducting referendums varies from one country to another. In multiple nations such as St Lucia, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and St Kitts and Nevis, the process of transitioning to a republic demands the authorisation of a simple majority of voters. However, other countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, require a two-thirds majority, making the transition more challenging to achieve. Despite these requirements, there is no assurance that a transition to a republic will occur. In 2009, St Vincent and the Grenadines conducted a referendum, which did not achieve the two-thirds majority required. As such, while it may appear to be a simple matter, each Caribbean realm is addressing the intricacies of this issue in its unique way.

Australia

As the coronation of King Charles approaches, there appears to be little enthusiasm or anticipation among the public in Sydney. Many residents seem to be unaware of the upcoming event. The country's Prime Minister has acknowledged that a republic is "inevitable," and there is growing support for severing ties with the monarchy, particularly given Australia's long-standing independent identity and the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. However, there is still significant disagreement over how to select a head of state, and recent polls suggest that the support for a republic is still below the threshold required to pass a referendum. As a result, it seems that a move towards a republic of Australia is still a long way off.

Canada

Many Canadians appear indifferent towards King Charles, despite their fondness for Queen Elizabeth II. According to recent opinion polls, a growing majority of Canadians wish to distance themselves from the monarchy and do not want to continue as a constitutional monarchy for generations to come. Canada's plans for the coronation are modest, with only a televised event and some illuminated landmarks.

While Quebec has passed legislation to make allegiance to the monarch optional for members of its legislature, it is doubtful that Canada will emulate the actions of other nations such as Barbados, Jamaica, or Australia that are currently engaged in, or have conducted, formal discussions on the future of the monarchy.