How the Commonwealth emerged from the British Empire

How the Commonwealth emerged from the British Empire

54 member states

In 2021, the Commonwealth of Nations will consist of 54 member states that are not bound by anything and only by shared values ​​– and, in most cases, by their past as British colonies.

In the more than 70 years of its existence, the Commonwealth has seen considerable ups and downs among its members. Ireland left the organization in 1949 officially to the republic became. Other countries such as Fiji and Nigeria became part of the Commonwealth at a time when they were under autocratic rule locked out, Mozambique and Rwanda are the only countries that have joined the British Empire without prior historical ties.

After gaining independence from Great Britain in the late 20th century, many countries such as Barbados, Cyprus and Singapore joined the Commonwealth. Papua New Guinea became a member after seceding from the former Dominion of Australia. Most of the new member states decided against the oath of allegiance, following India’s example.

However, there are still some members who recognize Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state. Commonwealth realm countries Related with, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and of course Great Britain.

Role of the British Monarchy

The British monarch is not automatically the head of the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II succeeded her father, King George VI. On the British throne, the presidency of the Commonwealth of Nations is not inherited, but delegated by member states. in 2018 announced The organization that Prince Charles will take over from his mother, but does not necessarily apply to the British monarchs who are his successors.

Since the business of the organization is centrally controlled and supervised, the role of the chairman is more of a symbolic nature. The Queen’s job is to strengthen ties between member states by making regular royal visits.

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