Queen of Trinidad and Tobago | |
---|---|
Details | |
Style | Her Majesty |
Formation | 31 August 1962 |
Abolition | 1 August 1976 |
Elizabeth II was Queen of Trinidad and Tobago from the independence of Trinidad and Tobago on 31 August 1962 until the country became a republic on 1 August 1976. Her constitutional role as head of state was delegated to a governor-general, who acted on the advice of government ministers. [1]
In 1974, a constitutional reform commission in Trinidad and Tobago, led by Chief Justice Sir Hugh Wooding, recommended that the country become a republic, in line with almost universal national opinion. [2] A new constitution was adopted on 1 August 1976, and the country became the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with a president as head of state, but remains a member of the Commonwealth. [3]
Elizabeth II visited Trinidad and Tobago once during her tenure, in February 1966. [4]
At independence in 1962, Trinidad and Tobago elected to retain the monarch, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, as head of state instead of becoming a republic. With the collapse of the West Indies Federation, Trinidad and Tobago chose to pursue independence alone, and the government summoned a constitutional conference in May 1962. The constitutional conference which convened in May debated the merits of republicanism versus constitutional monarchy before settling on the "familiar constitutional monarchy based on the Westminster pattern". Arguments against retention of the monarch included the idea that it was a "bad form" for a newly independent country which gave the Queen "too many residual opportunities [to interfere]" and undermined the sovereignty of the new nation. [5]
Mary, Princess Royal, represented the Queen at the independence celebrations. Just before midnight on 30 August, she joined large crowds in front of the Red House to witness the flag raising ceremony. After the ceremony, and accompanied by Prime Minister Eric Williams, the Princess Royal attended a service of dedication in Trinity Cathedral. [6] At the Red House in Port of Spain, the Princess opened the country's first Parliament on behalf of the monarch. The Queen's message to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, read by her aunt, Mary, extended her warm welcome to the newly independent member of the Commonwealth. The Queen declared her confidence that the new nation, composed of people with many varied origins and traditions, would live harmoniously and play a full part in promoting cooperation. [7]
The 1962 Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago retained Queen Elizabeth II as "direct and immediate" head of state. This relied on the principle that the monarch was divisible, and being Queen of the United Kingdom in no way conflicted with being Queen of Trinidad and Tobago. [8] The constitution vested executive authority in the monarch, which was exercised by the Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago. [9] While the Queen remained head of state, her representative, the governor-general, could only act on the advice of the prime minister. [5] Bills passed by Parliament required royal assent by the governor-general. [9]
The government of Trinidad and Tobago was officially known as "Her Majesty's Government in Trinidad and Tobago". [10] [11]
The monarch of Trinidad and Tobago, the Senate, and the House of Representatives constituted the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. [9] All executive powers of Trinidad and Tobago rested with the sovereign. All laws in Trinidad and Tobago were enacted only with the granting of royal assent, done by the governor-general on behalf of the sovereign. The governor-general was also responsible for summoning, proroguing, and dissolving Parliament. [9] All Trinidadian and Tobagonian ministers were appointed by the Governor-General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. [9]
Representatives to foreign countries were accredited by the monarch. The letters of credence were formally issued in the name of the monarch. [12]
Judges had to swear that they would "well and truly serve" the monarch of Trinidad and Tobago and "do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of Trinidad and Tobago without fear or favour, affection or ill will". [9]
The court of final appeal is the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. The monarch, and by extension the governor-general, could also grant immunity from prosecution, exercise the royal prerogative of mercy, and pardon offences against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. [9]
By a royal proclamation, published in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette in November 1962, the monarch adopted a separate title in her role as Queen of Trinidad and Tobago. [13] [ unreliable source? ]
Elizabeth II had the following styles in her role as the monarch of Trinidad and Tobago:
The oath of allegiance between 1962 and 1976 was: [9]
"I, (name), do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law. So help me God".
Within the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is deemed the "fount of honour". [16] The monarch conferred awards and honours in Trinidad and Tobago, on the advice of "Her Majesty's Trinidad and Tobago Ministers". [17] [18]
On the 26 August 1969, Elizabeth II, acting on the advice of the Cabinet, issued letters patent establishing a society of honour in Trinidad and Tobago, to be known as the "Order of the Trinity", for the purpose of "according recognition to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and other persons for distinguished or meritorious service or for gallantry". [19]
Elizabeth II had a personal flag as queen of Trinidad and Tobago. [20] [21] It was used for the first time when she visited the nation in 1966. [22] The flag featured the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago in banner form, which depicts the colours of the national flag. The gold ships represent the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his voyage. The two birds above are hummingbirds. A blue disc of the letter "E" crowned surrounded by a garland of gold roses defaces the flag, which is taken from the personal flag of Elizabeth II. [23]
External videos | |
---|---|
Queen In West Indies - Technicolor (1966) Source: British Pathé . |
Queen Elizabeth II visited Trinidad and Tobago from 7 to 10 February 1966. [24] [25] She and her consort, Prince Philip, were welcomed by tens of thousands of citizens. They were greeted on the wharf by the governor-general, Sir Solomon Hochoy, Lady Hochoy, Eric Williams and his daughter Erica. [26]
Queen Elizabeth II travelled around the country, laying a wreath on the Cenotaph, visiting the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, driving through San Fernando, and attending a rally of schoolchildren at Queen's Park. [26]
On 8 February, Queen Elizabeth II opened the new session of parliament the first reigning monarch to do so. In her speech from the throne she outlined the government's plan for 1966. She prayed that God would give the strength and steadfastness to the government and the nation to keep the path they had freely elected to pursue. [26]
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival was scheduled for a fortnight later, but the people staged a preview for the royal couple. Some of the performers represented historical characters, and Elizabeth was reportedly amused by a man dressed as King Henry VIII. Later, she said, "if this is just a preview sample the real thing must be fabulous". [27] [28]
On 10 February, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip went on a 20-mile state drive in the island of Tobago, during which they visited Fort George, and saw the entire western section of the island. They had a buffet lunch at the Crown Point Hotel and in the afternoon attended a garden party at the Governor-General's Tobagonian residence. In the same evening, they left the country in the royal yacht for Grenada. [26]
A set of four stamps were released to commemorate the Queen's first royal visit to the country in 1966. [29]
On 12 December 1969, at a sitting of the House of Representatives, the prime minister moved a motion on constitutional reform. He suggested that the House approve the appointment of a joint select committee of Parliament which would include representatives of all parties to consider whether it was desirable for Trinidad and Tobago to become a republic. [30]
On 9 October 1970, the commission was appointed. They met once on 19 October 1970. However, in its report to Parliament, the committee stated that it wasn't able to complete consideration of the subject matter entrusted to it and recommended that in the following session a committee be appointed to complete action on this matter. [30]
Hochoy announced the Government's decision to appoint a constitutional commission, which was mandated to make recommendations for the revision of the constitution and also to produce a draft constitution based on its enquiry. [30] Two years and six months later, in 1974, the complete report with recommendations, and the draft constitution were presented to the Governor-General on 22 January. [30]
On 13 June 1975, Williams laid the draft constitution of the republic in Parliament. [30] Both houses of Parliament passed the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Act on 26 March 1976. Just before the voting, most of the opposition leaders left the chamber in protest. There was also an attempt to stop the Governor-General's assent to the bill, through a motion filed by a private citizen in the San Fernando Supreme Court, but it failed. [30] The bill was assented to on 29 March by the Governor-General. [31]
The new constitution was adopted on 1 August 1976, when Trinidad and Tobago became a republic within the Commonwealth with a non-executive president as its head of state. [32]
Upon proclamation of the republic, the monarchy and the post of governor-general were abolished. Sir Ellis Clarke, the last governor-general, was sworn in as the country's first president. [30]
The governor-general of Barbados was the representative of the Barbadian monarch from independence in 1966 until the establishment of a republic in 2021. Under the government's Table of Precedence for Barbados, the governor-general of Barbados was regarded as being the most important of all personnel of the Barbados government.
Elizabeth II was the only queen of the State of Malta, which existed from 1964 to 1974. The State of Malta was an independent sovereign state and a constitutional monarchy, which shared a monarch with other Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom. Elizabeth's constitutional roles in Malta were mostly delegated to a governor-general.
The monarchy of Solomon Islands is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of the Solomon Islands. The monarch and head of state since 8 September 2022 is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Crown of Solomon Islands. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Solomon Islands and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Solomon Islands. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Jamaica is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Jamaica. The current Jamaican monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Jamaican Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Jamaica and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of the Jamaican state. However, the monarch is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Belize is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Belize. The current Belizean monarch and head of state since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Belizean Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled Kingof Belize and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions as representatives of the Belizean state. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Barbados was a system of government in which a hereditary monarch was the sovereign and head of state of Barbados from 1966 to 2021. Barbados shared the sovereign with the other Commonwealth realms, with the country's monarchy being separate and legally distinct. The monarch's operational and ceremonial duties were mostly delegated to her representative, the governor-general of Barbados.
The monarchy of the Bahamas is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. The current Bahamian monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Bahamian Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of the Bahamas and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of the Bahamian state. However, the King is the only member of the Royal Family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Grenada is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Grenada. The current Grenadian monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Grenadian Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Grenada and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Grenada. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Papua New Guinea is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Papua New Guinea. The current Papua New Guinean monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Papua New Guinean Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Papua New Guinea and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Papua New Guinea. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The current monarch of Saint Kitts and Nevis, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Crown of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Saint Christopher and Nevis and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Saint Lucia is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Saint Lucia. The current monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Saint Lucian Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Saint Lucia and, in this capacity, he and other members of the Royal Family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of the Saint Lucian state. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The current Vincentian monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Vincentian Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
The monarchy of Tuvalu is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Tuvalu. The current Tuvaluan monarch and head of state since 8 September 2022 is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Tuvaluan Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Tuvalu and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of the Tuvaluan state. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.
Australia is a constitutional monarchy whose Sovereign also serves as Monarch of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada and eleven other former dependencies of the United Kingdom including Papua New Guinea, which was formerly a dependency of Australia. These countries operate as independent nations, and are known as Commonwealth realms. The history of the Australian monarchy has involved a shifting relationship with both the monarch and also the British government.
Elizabeth II was Queen of Ghana from 1957 to 1960, when Ghana was an independent sovereign state and a constitutional monarchy. She was also queen of the United Kingdom and other sovereign states. Her constitutional roles in Ghana were delegated to the governor-general of Ghana.
From 1960 to 1963, Nigeria was a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Nigeria shared the monarch with Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and certain other sovereign states. The monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to the governor-general of Nigeria.
Elizabeth II was Queen of Mauritius as well as its head of state from 1968 to 1992 when Mauritius was an independent sovereign state and a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. She was also the monarch of other Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom. Her constitutional roles in Mauritius were delegated to a governor-general. Mauritius became a republic in 1992.
Elizabeth II was Queen of Uganda as well as the head of state of Uganda from 1962 to 1963, when the country was an independent constitutional monarchy. She was also the sovereign of other countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, including the United Kingdom.
Elizabeth II was Queen of Sierra Leone from 1961 to 1971, when Sierra Leone was an independent constitutional monarchy. She was also the monarch of other Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom. Her constitutional roles in Sierra Leone were mostly delegated to the governor-general of Sierra Leone.
Elizabeth II was Queen of Tanganyika from 1961 to 1962, when Tanganyika was an independent sovereign state and a constitutional monarchy. She was also the monarch of other sovereign states, including the United Kingdom. Her constitutional roles in Tanganyika were mostly delegated to the governor-general of Tanganyika.
The Royal Standard had accordingly been designed for Sierra Leone, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Malta.
On her Caribbean tour in the royal yacht Britannia in 1966, as Queen of the newly self-governing territories of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, she had adopted a personal flag "to fly on all occasions when Her Majesty is present in person.
The Queen's Personal Flag for use in Trinidad and Tobago. Flown for the first time during a visit in 1966, it is the banner of the State Arms defaced with the Queen's initial.
the role of the Monarchy in the Commonwealth...Commonwealth visits since 1952...7-9 February 1966 Trinidad 10 February 1966 Tobago
In February 1966, Elizabeth II sailed into Scarborough Harbour with the royal yacht Britannia flying her personal standard as the Queen of Trinidad and Tobago. The two islands' Queen was greeted there...