15 independent states headed by the British Queen

The era of the rule of kings and emperors was replaced by republics and parliamentary monarchies, and the few kings that remained in power today are significantly limited in their rights. But not the British Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch of Great Britain, in addition to his country, is the head of another 15 independent states, including Canada and Australia. And this is not a simple formality, as it might seem at first glance.

The monarchs of Sweden, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and other kingdoms of Europe perform largely representative functions, without playing a significant role in the political life of their states. The British monarch, who has been Elizabeth II for more than 65 years, although he has limitations in his power in the form of the British Parliament, nevertheless has a number of key opportunities.

For example, the Queen has the right to reject the candidacy of the Prime Minister, who, in his opinion, does not fit the state. There are also two cases in the history of Great Britain when Elizabeth II personally appointed the Prime Minister. In addition, the queen can dissolve parliament with the support of 2/3 of the House of Commons.

The British Queen is the head of the armed forces of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (this is the full name of the country, which we often refer to simply as Great Britain). It is she who has the right to declare war or to conclude peace, as well as to send an active army to the places of military operations.

Each week, the Queen receives the current Prime Minister to "exchange views." Of course, the content of these conversations was not disclosed, but judging by regular meetings, the relationship between the British queen and the country's prime minister is much deeper than it might seem from the outside. In addition, in the UK there is a Privy Council, which daily submits to the Queen the necessary documents for study. The Queen of Great Britain is the head of the Church of England. And finally, the British monarch has immunity. A civil lawsuit or a criminal case cannot be filed against the identity of the monarch.

Elizabeth II is the head of state of not only the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and all the colonies belonging to the country, but also 15 other states that are officially independent. These countries were formerly colonies of the British Empire, but after gaining independence, the British monarch officially remained the head of state.

The British Queen is the head of the Commonwealth of Nations, which in addition to these 15 countries includes India, South Africa, Pakistan and many others. In all other members of the Commonwealth of Nations, the British Queen is not the head of state. Among these 15 states there are both the largest countries in the world by area, for example, Canada, and very small ones. Elizabeth II appoints the governors-general who are her representatives in these countries. In addition to many other rights, the British queen leads the armed forces of all these countries, through the same governor-generals. So, take a look at the possessions of the British Queen:

Australia

This state with a population of 24.8 million people (according to statistics for 2018) occupies a whole continent. And although in recent years there has been an active debate on turning Australia into a republic, the queen is still the head of state.

Antigua and Barbuda

An island nation in the Caribbean with a population of about 93,500 people (estimated for 2016).

Bahamas

A country located on islands in the Atlantic Ocean with 321,800 inhabitants (estimated for 2014).

Barbados

Barbados is an island nation in the Caribbean with a population of about 277,800 people (estimated for 2010).

Belize

The state of Central America, whose population is 347,370 people (as of 2015).

Grenada

A small island nation in the Caribbean with a population of 107,800 people (estimated for 2010).

Canada

This second largest state in the world is a former colony of Great Britain and, despite independence, the British Queen is the head of state, and her powers here are much wider than in Britain itself. The population of this country is 36.6 million people (as of 2017).

New Zealand

New Zealand is located on the islands east of Australia, and its population is about 4.85 million people (estimated for 2018).

Papua New Guinea

An island nation in the Pacific Ocean with a population of 7.3 million people (estimated in 2013).

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Another independent state in the Caribbean with a population of 104,200 people (as of 2010).

Saint Kitts and Nevis

On the territory of this state in the Caribbean, about 50,000 people live (according to 2010 data).

Saint lucia

A small state in the Caribbean with a population of 160,900 people (as of 2010).

Solomon islands

These islands in the Pacific Ocean are home to 515,800 people (according to the 2009 census).

Tuvalu

About 11,200 people live on the tiny islands in the Pacific Ocean (2011 data).

Jamaica

Jamaica is located on the island of the same name in the Caribbean, and 2.93 million people live in its territory (estimated for 2014).

In total, with the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the colonial lands, Elizabeth II has more than 140 million subjects worldwide.