Who does the Crown rule over?

Asked by: Jewel Hudson  |  Last update: November 29, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (9 votes)

In addition to Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the British sovereign is the head of state of 14 other Commonwealth countries, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

What countries does the Crown rule?

As of 2024, there are 15 Commonwealth realms: 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, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom.

Who does the British royal family rule over?

Queen Elizabeth is not only the monarch of the United Kingdom (UK), but also of fourteen other countries, including Canada and others across the Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean. These are known as the Commonwealth realms.

How many countries are still under British rule?

The King is Sovereign of 14 Commonwealth realms in addition to the UK. His Majesty is also Head of the Commonwealth itself, a voluntary association of 56 independent countries. This is an important symbolic and unifying role.

What authority does the Crown have?

In practice the monarch's role, including that of Head of the Armed Forces, is limited to functions such as bestowing honours and appointing the prime minister, which are performed in a non-partisan manner. The UK Government has called the monarchy "a unique soft power and diplomatic asset".

How the crown has more power than you think

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Does the British crown have any power?

Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.

How powerful is the Crown?

This is another way of referring to the monarchy - which is the oldest part of the system of government in this country. Time has reduced the power of the monarchy, and today it is broadly ceremonial.

Is Canada still under British rule?

The Constitution Act, 1982 patriated the British North America Act, 1867 to Canada , thus ending any Canadian dependence on the Parliament of Westminster and further defining its complete independence. It laid down that the future amendment of the constitution should be the prerogative of Canada.

What countries does Queen Elizabeth rule?

Realms and Commonwealth
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Australia.
  • Bahamas.
  • Belize.
  • Canada.
  • Grenada.
  • Jamaica.
  • New Zealand.

Is Ireland under British rule?

Most of Ireland gained independence from the United Kingdom following the Anglo-Irish War in the early 20th century. Initially formed as a Dominion called the Irish Free State in 1922, the Republic of Ireland became a fully independent nation state following the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931.

Is Harry still in line for the throne?

Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018. They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020. Angry about media intrusion, they were frustrated that Buckingham Palace stopped them developing their "SussexRoyal" brand. Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne.

What is the point of the Royal Family?

Working Members of the Royal Family continue to support The King in his many State and national duties, as they did for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for many years. They also carry out important work in the areas of public and charitable service in their own right.

Does the Queen have power over the Prime Minister?

The Prime Minister is officially appointed by the Sovereign in person. This remains one of the few personal prerogatives of The Sovereign, and their decision is limited by constitutional convention.

Does Canada still pay taxes to England?

Contrary to public rumors, at no time do Canadians "pay money" to Britain or to the Royal Family. The only tax dollars that are spent on the monarchy are for the Vice Regal offices and Royal Visits, much like we would spend on visits of other international dignitaries.

Is Australia still under British rule?

Australia is one of 14 countries outside Britain where he remains the head of state, a role that is largely symbolic. All of them are members of the Commonwealth, a voluntary group of 56 independent states that were almost all formerly under British rule.

Is Canada a Crown colony?

Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Crown in Canada was first established by the kings of France in the sixteenth century. Organized as a royal province of France, both French and British kings and queens have reigned over Canada since 1534.

What countries does King Charles rule?

These countries, known as the Commonwealth realms, are: Australia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, St Christopher and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu.

Is Canada a monarchy?

Canada is a constitutional monarchy. Discover how the Crown in Canada has evolved and remains an essential and relevant component of our identity, contributing to a sense of stability for Canadians.

Who controls the royal family?

Sometimes referred to as “the Firm,” the monarchy works like a public body or government department, albeit one that is completely independent. At its head is the Queen, and below her comes a strict hierarchy based on the line of succession.

Does Australia have a king?

Australia's Head of State is the King of Australia, His Majesty King Charles III. Under the Australian Constitution, executive power is exercised by the Governor‑General as the King's representative. The Governor-General is appointed by the King on the advice of the Prime Minister of Australia.

Does Canada pay the monarchy?

The sovereign similarly only draws from Canadian funds for support in the performance of his duties when in Canada or acting as King of Canada abroad; Canadians do not pay any money to the King or any other member of the royal family, either towards personal income or to support royal residences outside of Canada.

Are British citizens allowed in Canada?

Everything you need to know for British citizens

Travelers need a travel authorization to visit Canada for Business or Tourism. Visa-exempt visitors entering Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Travelers can submit the eTA application online.

Can the royal family stop the Crown?

All the rumours are true - The Royal Family does not approve of 'The Crown'. But not only do they dislike the semi-biographical series, but they've also been able to shut down production on the series on a number of occasions.

Who has more power, a king or a Queen?

That depends on the laws of the country that has the monarchy. Every country sets up their own laws. If the queen is a queen regnant, she generally has the same powers as the king. But if she's a queen consort, she usually has no real power.

Does Queen Elizabeth ever cry in the Crown?

In "The Crown": Elizabeth has never cried in public during the entirety of the series, and faked crying while touring Aberfan.