A Shared Monarchy

The Queen and Commonwealth leaders
Queen Elizabeth II and Commonwealth leaders

The King of New Zealand is also king of 15 other countries including Australia, Canada, and Papua New Guinea. These countries are all independent nations within the Commonwealth. This is why they are called Commonwealth Realms. These 15 nations have agreed to share Charles III as their head of state. However, he is very careful to keep his role in each nation separate from all the others. For example, in New Zealand, he only deals with New Zealand matters, and takes advice only from New Zealand government ministers. He even has a different title in each realm.

Most countries do not share a head of state. By sharing our Monarch with 15 other countries, New Zealanders are part of a global family of over 100 million people around the world. The King transcends nationalism. The King’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II was the second longest-serving head of state in the world and devoted her entire life to the countries she serves.

There is evidence that Governors-General in New Zealand have used all of these rights as well. We may never know exactly how many times the Late Queen, The King, and the Governors-General have helped strengthen our political system, or protect our democracy, but evidence suggests that they have been quietly involved a number of times. Whenever they have been involved, it has been in support of the New Zealand public.

As the Queen’s late husband, The Prince Philip, once said:

it is a misconception to imagine that the monarchy exists in the interests of the monarch. It doesn’t. It exists in the interests of the people.

Keen to know more? Read on about our team of three or about some facts and myths.

Comments are closed.