Antigua & Barbuda plans referendum on King Charles III as head of state

The Caribbean island country of Antigua and Barbuda is planning to hold a referendum on becoming completely republic state within next three years by voting on removal of King Charles III as the head of state. This was confirmed by the Caribbean nation’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

The former British colony had gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 but is one of 14 countries in addition to the UK that have the British monarch as the head of state. It is also a part of the Commonwealth, which is a 56 member organization including mostly former British territories.

“This is a matter that has to be taken to a referendum… within the next, probably, three years,” Prime Minister Browne said to the media shortly after confirming Charles III as the King of country following death of Queen Elizabeth II. PM Browne said that becoming a republic was “a final step to complete the circle of independence to ensure we are truly a sovereign nation.” He added stressing that the referendum was “not an act of hostility” and would not mean waiving off the membership of the Commonwealth. “This is a matter that has to be taken to a referendum for the people to decide,” he said, adding that “it is not meant to 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.”

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In March, questions were raised the continuing role of the British monarchy in the region after the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, who have now been given title of Prince and Princess of Wales, visited three Commonwealth realms – Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas. This trip was part of celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne.

Similar debate of British monarchy has been ignited in Australia. But Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stressed that there are bigger and more pressing concerns at present. “This is a period in which we are sharing the grief that so many Australians are feeling at the moment, showing our deep respect and admiration for the contribution of the Queen to Australia,” Mr. Albanese said.

Along with the UK, King Charles also serves as head of state in 14 countries – 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.