Antigua and Barbuda has ceased its pledge of allegiance to King Charles III, two months prior to his scheduled visit to the Caribbean nation in October. During this visit, the King is expected to encourage the country to remain within the Commonwealth, despite the absence of the monarchy as head of state.
The decision to drop the oath adds pressure to the royal tour, which will also include visits to the Bahamas and Guyana. The King and Queen Camilla plan to address topics such as the legacy of slavery and reparations during their trip.
Antigua and Barbuda's Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, stated that the removal of the oath was overdue, emphasizing that officials will now swear loyalty to the state instead of the British monarch. He remarked, 'We will once and for all finally not be swearing to His Majesty in England, his heirs and successors in England.'
This change signifies a move towards diminishing the Royal Family's influence in the nation's governance. Antigua and Barbuda gained independence from British rule in 1981 but remained part of the Commonwealth with the Queen as head of state.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the government has voted to eliminate the pledge to the British monarch. Should the country decide to fully remove the British Crown, a public referendum may be held, although the outcome remains uncertain, with some suggesting that support for republicanism may not be as strong as claimed by the government.
During his upcoming visit, the King will also discuss the concept of 'de-realming,' which allows countries to remain in the Commonwealth without the monarchy as head of state. This follows a similar move by Grenada last year, although not all Commonwealth nations are expected to pursue similar changes. The King will also visit the Bahamas, where he is not expected to be removed as head of state.