King of AustraliaKing's Flag for AustraliaIncumbentCharles IIIsince 8 September 2022 DetailsStyleHis MajestyHeir apparentWilliam, Prince of Wales This article is part of a series on theMonarchy of Australia Viceroys Governor-General State Governors NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas Administrators of territories Norfolk Island Northern Territory Australian Indian Ocean Territories Vice-regal residences List of residences Yarralumla (Government House) Admiralty House NSW Vic Qld WA SA Tas Constitution Constitution Federal Executive Council Role in Parliament Head of state dispute Monarchism Republican debate Symbols Australian royal symbols Royal eponyms Royal monuments Royal patronage Wattle Queen St Edward's Crown Royal cypher Royal anthem King's Flag for Australia Great Seal of Australia Related links History of monarchy in Australia Royal tours of Australia Official openings by Elizabeth II Loyal toast List of jubilees Demise of the Crown Royal Australian Air Force VIP aircraft Australia portalvte This article is part of a series on thePolitics ofAustralia Constitution Monarchy Monarch Charles III Governor-General Sam Mostyn Executive Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP) Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (ALP) Federal Executive Council Ministry Second Albanese ministry Cabinet Legislature Australian Parliament
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The monarchy of Australia is a central component of Australia's system of government, by which a hereditary monarch serves as the country's sovereign and head of state.[1] It is a constitutional monarchy, modelled on the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy and responsible government, while incorporating features unique to the Constitution of Australia.
The present monarch is King Charles III, who has reigned since 8 September 2022.[a] The monarch is represented at the federal level by the governor-general (currently Samantha Mostyn[4]), in accordance with the Australian Constitution[5] and letters patent from his mother and predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II.[6] Similarly, in each of the Australian states the monarch is represented by a governor (assisted by a lieutenant-governor; generally the chief justice of the state's supreme court), according to the Australia Act and respective letters-patent and state constitutions.[7] In the Northern Territory (which is legally subordinate to the federal government), the monarch is represented by an administrator appointed by the governor-general.[8] The monarch appoints the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, and appoints the state governors on the advice of the respective premiers.[9][10] These are the only mandatory constitutional functions of the monarch of Australia.[11]
Australian constitutional law provides that the person who is monarch of the United Kingdom will also be the monarch of Australia.[12][13] Since the 1940s at the latest, the Australian monarchy has been a distinct office and in that capacity, they act exclusively upon the advice of Australian state and federal ministers. Australia is one of the Commonwealth realms, 15 independent countries that share the same person as monarch and head of state.[14]
International and domestic aspects[edit] Further information: Commonwealth realm § Relationship of the realms Sydney Opera House lit up with images of previous royal tours of Australia by Charles and Camilla, 2024The monarch of Australia is the same person as the monarch of the 14 other Commonwealth realms within the 56-member Commonwealth of Nations.[14] However, each realm is independent of the others, the monarchy in each being distinct from the rest.[15][16] Effective with the Australia Act 1986, the British government cannot advise the monarch on any matters pertinent to Australia; on all matters of the Australian Commonwealth, the monarch is advised solely by Australian federal ministers of state.[17] Likewise, on all matters relating to any Australian state, the monarch is advised by the ministers of that state, tendered via the premier.[7]
Emergence of a separate Crown[edit] King Charles III and Queen Camilla in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 2024Courts and academics he proposed several dates on which the Crown of Australia separated from the Crown of the United Kingdom.[18] These include 1926, when at an Imperial Conference it was announced that governors-general would no longer represent the government of the United Kingdom or 1930, when at another Imperial Conference it was clarified that the monarch would be advised directly by dominion ministers. Anne Twomey argues for this later date at the latest.[19] Others he suggested the Crowns separated once Australia became fully independent, with dates suggested including 1931 (when the UK Statute of Westminster was passed), 1939 or 1942 (due to Statute of Westminster Adoption Act, passed in 1942 with retrospective effect to 1939) or 1986 (when the Australia Acts severed the last possibilities of UK institutions changing Australian laws).[20] However, members of the High Court he indicated that the separation of the Crowns was complete by at least 1948, as seen by the creation of Australian citizenship laws.[21]
It is unclear however whether for each state there is also a distinct Crown, separate from the Crown of Australia. In other words, the monarch may also be king of Victoria, etc. for each of the states. Prior to the passage of the Australia Act, the monarch acted as sovereign of the United Kingdom at the state level. With that Act's passage, either independent Crowns emerged for each of the states or the Crown of Australia transformed into a federal Crown in which the monarch receives advice from both state and commonwealth ministers in exercising their respective powers. Such a distinction may be relevant if either Australia or an individual state wished to become a republic, as with separate crowns, a federal republic would not necessarily abolish the Crown at a state level.[22]
Title[edit] Further information: List of titles and honours of Charles III and Commonwealth realm § TitlesThe formal title of the current monarch is King[b] Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.[24][25][26][c]
Prior to 1953, the title of the Australian monarch had simply been the same as that in the United Kingdom. A change in the title resulted from occasional discussion among Commonwealth prime ministers and an eventual meeting in London in December 1952, at which Australia's officials stated their preference for a format for Queen Elizabeth II's title that would name all the realms. However, they stated they would also accept Elizabeth II (by the Grace of God) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, [name of realm], and all of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth (Defender of the Faith).[35][36] The latter composition was adopted, despite some objections from the South African and Canadian governments. The sovereign's title in all her realms thus kept mention of the United Kingdom, but, for the first time, also separately mentioned Australia and the other Commonwealth realms. The passage of the Royal Style and Titles Act 1953 by the Parliament of Australia put these recommendations into law.[37]
In 1973 the Whitlam government replaced the 1953 royal styles Act, with Whitlam arguing that the inclusion and position of Elizabeth's title in the UK made the title not "sufficiently distinctively Australian" and that the phrase "Defender of the Faith" had "no historical or constitutional relevance in Australia".[38] A new Royal Titles and Styles Bill that removed these references was passed by the federal Parliament.[d] The governor-general, Sir Paul Hasluck, reserved royal assent for the monarch, as governor-general Sir William McKell had done with the 1953 Royal Titles and Styles Bill to allow Elizabeth to give her assent in person, which she did at Government House in Canberra on 19 October 1973.[42]
At the state level, Western Australia and South Australia he independently legislated the monarch's title to be the same as the Commonwealth title.[43][44] There is limited reference to the monarch's title in the other states, however parliamentarians he used expressions such as "Queen of [state]" and "Queen in right of [state]" during parliamentary debates.[45] In 1973, Queensland sought to pass legislation to include Queensland specifically in the monarch's title.[46] The Queensland parliament passed legislation seeking an advisory opinion from the Privy Council as to whether they had the legislative power to do, however this legislation was declared unconstitutional by the High Court.[47] In seeking this title, the Queensland government's motivation was to dissuade the British from accepting the Whitlam government's advice that all of the British government's then authority over the states should be transferred to the federal government. The dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975 removed the impetus for the title change and no further steps were taken in the matter.[48]
Succession[edit] Further information: Succession to the British throne The proclamation of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the Australian throne being read at Queensland's Government House by Governor Sir John Larack, 1952Royal succession is determined by a mix of common law, British law that continues to apply in Australia, and more recent Australian federal and state statutes. These entail that succession follows the eldest non-adopted child of the current monarch (primogeniture), with the restriction that an heir must be in communion with the Church of England and not a Roman Catholic to ascend the throne.
History[edit]These rules he evolved over centuries. The British statutes, the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Act of Settlement 1701 first limited succession to legitimate descendants of Sophia, Electress of Hanover and imposed religious requirements in the context of the Glorious Revolution. These laws were received alongside all other British laws to Australia when Australia was settled. Considering the colonial status of the individual colonies and later the federated Australia, it was accepted at the time that these laws could only be changed by the UK Parliament.[49]
Later, Australia and the other dominions gained greater legislative independence with the passage of the Statute of Westminster 1931 (adopted by Australia in 1942).[50] While this allowed the dominions to pass laws that conflicted with UK laws, to ensure that succession laws remained consistent, the preamble noted that it would be in keeping with each Commonwealth realm's constitutional practice that any succession changes would require the consent of the parliaments of each realm.[50][49]
As Australia had not yet adopted the Statute of Westminster by the time of the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, the UK Declaration of Abdication Act 1936 applied automatically without the need for Australia's consent. However, the Australian federal Parliament did pass a resolution of assent to the changes as a matter of courtesy.[51]
The most recent reforms to the succession occurred following the Perth Agreement in 2011, in which all the Commonwealth realms agreed to changes including the removal of a preference towards male heirs and the repeal of the Royal Marriages Act 1772 (which amongst other things prevented the monarch from marrying a Roman Catholic). As the Australian federal Parliament does not he a head of power over succession, it required a referral legislation from each of the states.[52][53] The Northern Territory also added its request and concurrence, although this was not constitutionally required.[54] The federal legislation finally become law on 24 March 2015[55][56] and as Australia was the last realm to the make the required changes, the act took effect on 26 March 2015 (BST), parallel to other realms' laws.[57]
Demise of the Crown[edit] Crowds line the streets during the proclamation ceremony for King Charles III in New South Wales, 2022Upon a demise of the Crown (the death or abdication of a sovereign), it is customary for the accession of the new monarch to be publicly proclaimed by the governor-general on behalf of the Federal Executive Council, which meets at Government House after the accession.[58] Parallel proclamations are made by the governors in each state.[59][60] Regardless of any proclamations, the late sovereign's heir immediately and automatically succeeds, without any need for confirmation or further ceremony. Following an appropriate period of mourning, the monarch is also crowned at a coronation ceremony in the United Kingdom; though, this is not necessary for a sovereign to reign, being primarily a symbolic event.[61] For example, Edward VIII was never crowned, yet was undoubtedly king during his short time on the throne. After an individual ascends the throne, he or she typically continues to reign until death.
The monarch legally cannot unilaterally abdicate; the only Australian monarch to do so, Edward VIII, did so following the passage of British legislation. While the UK has passed regency acts from 1936 onwards to prepare for a situation when the monarch is incapacitated, the dominions did not agree for these acts to be extended into domestic law as it was felt that governors-general could exercise all the powers a regent would need to exercise.[62] Issues could arise if the monarch was incapacitated for a particularly long period, as there is no other legal method for the governor-general to be replaced.[63]
Finances[edit]Australia does not fund the King or wider royal family for any activities taken outside of Australia, either towards personal income or to support royal residences outside of Australia. When monarch visits Australia, their expenses are paid for by the Australian Government.[64] However, the Australian Government does pay a salary to the governor-general and for the upkeep of the official vice-regal residences in the country.[65]
In 2018, a day-long visit to Vanuatu by Charles (then the Prince of Wales), escorted by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, in between a tour of Queensland and the Northern Territory, was paid for by the Australian government.[66] Charles III's 2024 Australian royal tour cost $640,000, Elizabeth II's 2011 royal tour $2,690,000, her 2006 tour $1,450,000, her 1964 tour £179,000 and her first tour in 1954 cost £510,000.[67][68]
Residences[edit] The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge at a reception hosted by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove at Admiralty House, Sydney, 2014The governor-general has two official residences: Government House in Canberra (commonly known as Yarralumla) and Admiralty House in Sydney.
When HMY Britannia was in Australian waters and in use by the monarch of Australia, it was not ailable to British officials for meetings or promotions.[69]
Personification of the state[edit] Further information: The CrownThe monarch is the locus of many oaths of allegiance. Various employees of the Crown are required by law to recite this oath before taking their posts, such as all members of the Commonwealth Parliament and of the state and territory parliaments, as well as most magistrates, judges, police officers, and justices of the peace. This is in reciprocation to the sovereign's coronation oath, taken most recently by Charles III who promised "to govern the Peoples of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [and] your other Realms ... according to their respective laws and customs".[70][71]
John Larack taking the Oath of Allegiance as the governor of Queensland after Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, 1952The prime minister, ministers and parliamentary secretaries also make an oath or affirmation of office on their appointment to a particular ministry, which traditionally included a promise of allegiance to the monarch.[72] However, the wording of this oath or affirmation is not written into law and beginning with swearing in of Paul Keating, all Labor prime ministers he dropped the reference to the sovereign.[73][74][72]
The oath of citizenship similarly contained a statement of allegiance to the reigning monarch until 1994, when a pledge of allegiance to Australia and its values was introduced. However the concept of allegiance to the monarch remains important constitutionally, especially in the context of determining whether a person is an "alien" for the purposes of section 51(xix).[75][76][77]
Head of state[edit] See also: Australian head of state dispute Queen Elizabeth II and Governor-General Michael Jeffery at Buckingham PalaceKey features of Australia's system of government include its basis on a combination of written and unwritten rules, comprising the sovereign, governors, and governor-general.[78] The Constitution does not mention the term head of state.[e] According to the Parliament of Australia website, Australia's head of state is the monarch and its head of government is the prime minister, with powers limited by both law and convention for government to be carried on democratically.[79] However, the governor-general's website states that the office holder is in practice Australia's head of state.[80] A leading textbook on Australian constitutional law formulates the position thus: "The Queen, as represented in Australia by the governor-general, is Australia's head of state."[81]
Additionally, Queensland[82] and South Australia[83] describe the monarch as the head of state for their particular state. New South Wales[84] and Western Australia[85] on the other hand describe their governors as their respective heads of state, whilst Tasmania[86] and Victoria[87] state that the governor "exercises the constitutional power" of the head of state.[88]
While current official sources use the description head of state for the monarch, in the lead up to the referendum on Australia becoming a republic in 1999, Sir Did Smith proposed an alternative explanation that the governor-general is head of state. This view has some support within the group Australians for Constitutional Monarchy.[89]
Constitutional role[edit]Australia has a written constitution based on the Westminster model of government, implementing a federal system and a distinct separation of powers. It gives Australia a parliamentary system of government, wherein the role of the sovereign and governor-general is both legal and practical. The sovereign of Australia is represented in the federal sphere by the governor-general—appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister of Australia—and in each state by a governor—appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the relevant state premier.
Executive[edit] Kevin Rudd being sworn in as Prime Minister of Australia by Governor-General Quentin Bryce on 27 June 2013Section 61 of the Constitution vests the executive power of the Commonwealth in the King, to be exercisable by the governor-general. The governor-general is appointed by the King on the advice of the prime minister—the only role the monarch must perform personally.[10] The governor-general in turn (usually following elections) appoints the individual with or most likely to obtain the confidence of the House of Representatives to be prime minister.[90] Other ministers are appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister, a subset of which form the cabinet. These ministers then advise the governor-general on the exercise of executive power, either directly or through the Federal Executive Council. Executive power includes powers belonging to the royal prerogative, which includes the power to declare war and enter into treaties.[91]
As the King and governor-general must in general act on advice, their roles are primarily symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments and agencies operate. As an example, members of various executive agencies and judges are formally appointed by the governor-general, not the government of the day. However, the governor-general does also has certain reserve powers, which are powers that they may exercise in the absence of or contrary to advice.[92][93][94] Their most prominent use was during the 1975 constitutional crisis when governor-general Sir John Kerr dismissed the government of Gough Whitlam on the basis that his government had failed to secure the passage of supply.[95]
Apart from the appointment of the governor-general, the monarch has also been personally involved in issuing letters-patent for the creation of Australian honours.[96][97] The monarch also has the power to dismiss the governor-general. This power was highlighted during the 1975 constitutional crises. During the crisis there was a concern about a "race to the palace" where the governor-general may he tried to dismiss the prime minister before the prime minister sought to advise the monarch to dismiss the governor-general or vice-versa. Following the dismissal, Whitlam and the speaker of the house each separately contacted the palace to reverse the governor-general's actions, but the palace advised that only the governor-general, not the Queen, had the power to appoint the prime minister.
Parliament[edit] Capital Hill illuminated in purple to mark Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, 2022. The meeting place for the Parliament of Australia was opened by the Queen in 1988.Parliament consists of the sovereign, the Senate and the House of Representatives.[98] Their authority in the House of Representatives is represented by the Mace of the House (which also represents the authority of the house itself and its Speaker).[99][100] However, neither the sovereign nor the governor-general participate in the legislative process se for the granting of royal assent. Further, the constitution outlines that the governor-general alone is responsible for summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the federal parliament.[101]
All federal, state and territory legislation, except those in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), are enacted only with the granting of royal assent, done by the monarch, governor-general, relevant state governor, or administrator in the case of the Northern Territory (NT). This is done in the federal context by the governor-general signing two copies of the bill.[102][103] If the law is one in which takes effect on proclamation, the governor-general will also make this proclamation to which the Great Seal of Australia is then affixed in authentication of the corresponding letters patent.[104][105] The governor-general may reserve a bill for the King's (or Queen's) pleasure; that is, withhold their consent to the bill and present it to the sovereign for their personal decision. Under the constitution, the sovereign also has the power to disallow a bill within one year of the governor-general hing granted royal assent.[106] The purpose of this section was originally to allow the UK government to supervise the workings of the Commonwealth parliament, as this power would only be exercised by the monarch as advised by their British ministers.[107] The power was never actually used and it is very unlikely that it will be used in the future.[11] However, the monarch did on occasion refuse (or indicated they would refuse) assent to bills passed by state parliaments, the last time being in 1980 when British officials indicated they would advise the Queen to refuse assent for a New South Wales bill that attempted to unilaterally remove the involvement of British ministers in the appointment of the governor.[108]
Courts[edit] A judge's bench in a courtroom in Sydney, with a relief of the royal arms positioned aboveTraditionally, the monarch is known as the fount of justice.[109][110] However, he does not personally rule in judicial cases, meaning that judicial functions are normally performed only in the monarch's name.[109] In most jurisdictions, criminal offences are legally deemed to be offences against the sovereign and proceedings for indictable offences are brought in the sovereign's name in the form of The King [or Queen] against [Name] (typically shortened to R v [Name] standing for Rex for King or Regina for Queen).[111] However, offences in Western Australia and Tasmania are brought in the name of the particular state.[112][113] Civil lawsuits against the Crown in its public capacity (that is, lawsuits against the government) are permitted due to statute.[114][115] In international cases, as a sovereign and under established principles of international law, the monarch of Australia is not subject to suit in foreign courts without his express consent. The prerogative of mercy lies with the monarch, and is exercised in the state jurisdictions by the governors.[116][117]
States and territories[edit] Further information: Governors of the Australian states Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the opening of the third session of the thirty-seventh Parliament of New South Wales, 1954In accordance with the Australia Act 1986, the sovereign has the power to appoint, on advice tendered by the relevant state premier, a governor in each of the Australian states, who themselves appoint executive bodies, as well as people to fill casual Senate vacancies, if the relevant state parliament is not in session. The state governors continue to serve as the direct representatives of the monarch, in no way subordinate to the governor-general, and they carry out on his behalf all of the monarch's constitutional and ceremonial duties in respect of their respective state. The Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory are constitutionally subordinate to the federal government, with an administrator appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the federal minister for Territories taking the place of a state governor in the Northern Territory.[118] Like their governor counterparts, they largely are required to act on the advice of the Northern Territory government. The Australian Capital Territory has no equivalent position, with legislative and executive power devolved directly from the federal government to the ACT Legislative Assembly and the ACT Executive.
The monarch or the governor also forms part of state parliaments as per respective state constitutions. However, in case of South Australia, neither the monarch nor the governor forms part of parliament, which only consists of two elected houses. However, bills passed by the Parliament of South Australia and all other state parliaments must be assented to by the governor in the name and on the behalf of the monarch.[119]
All the powers and functions of the monarch in relation to the making of an act by a state parliament are exercisable only by the governor of that state. However, if the monarch is present in a state in person, he or she can exercise any of those powers and functions.[119]
Cultural role[edit] Royal presence and duties[edit] Further information: Royal visits to Australia and List of Commonwealth visits made by Queen Elizabeth II Elizabeth II knights an individual during her 1963 visit to AustraliaThe sovereign and their family he participated in events such as various centennials and bicentennials; Australia Day; the openings of Olympic and other games; award ceremonies; D-Day commemorations; anniversaries of the monarch's accession; and the like.
Other royals he participated in ceremonies organised by or involving Australia and other Commonwealth nations abroad, such as Charles III, then Prince Charles, at the 2015 Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli, the Duke of Edinburgh at the Anzac Day service in Hyde Park, London in 2024, or the Duke of Sussex's attendance at an Australia House reception for Australian athletes in the 2014 Invictus Games.[120][121][122]
Members of the royal family he also made private donations to Australian charities or causes, such as when Elizabeth II made a private donation to the Australian Red Cross Appeal after the Blue Mountains bushfires in 2009 and Prince William to the Australian Red Cross during floods in 2023.[123][124]
The Crown and the Australian Defence Force[edit] Governor-General the Lord Gowrie signs a declaration of war against Japan as John Curtin looks on, 1941.Section 68 of the Australian Constitution says: "The command in chief of the nal and military forces of the Commonwealth is vested in the governor-general as the Queen's [monarch's] representative."[125] In practice, however, the governor-general does not play any part in the Australian Defence Force's command structure other than following the advice of the Minister for Defence in the normal form of executive government.[126] All personnel of the Australian Defence Force swear an Oath of Allegiance (or affirmation) to the Australian Monarch where they pledge to "resist his (or her) enemies."[127]
Australian nal vessels bear the prefix His Majesty's Australian Ship (HMAS) and many organisational groupings of the defence force (such as the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australian Engineers) carry the "royal" prefix.[128]
Members of the royal family he presided over military ceremonies, including Trooping the Colour ceremonies, inspections of the troops, and anniversaries of key battles. When Elizabeth II was in Canberra, she laid wreaths at the Australian War Memorial. In 2003, Elizabeth acted in her capacity as Australian monarch when she dedicated the Australian War Memorial in Hyde Park, London.[1] In 2024, Charles III as part of his tour of Sydney and Canberra, laid wreaths at the Australian War Memorial, as well as presiding over a Royal Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Ny, in Sydney.[129]
The Princess Royal inspects the Royal Australian Corps of Signals as the unit's colonel-in-chief, 2000Monarchs of Australia (or their spouse in the case of Elizabeth II)[130] are appointed to the highest ranks in each of the branches of the Defence Force. In 2024, Charles III was appointed to the Honorary Ranks of admiral of the fleet of the Royal Australian Ny, field marshal of the Australian Army, and marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force, by the governor-general of Australia.[131] These ranks he always been held by members of the royal family, with the exceptions of field marshals Sir William Birdwood and Sir Thomas Blamey.
Additionally, some members of the royal family are Colonels-in-Chief of Australian regiments, including: the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery; Royal Australian Army Medical Corps; the Royal Australian Armoured Corps and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, amongst many others.
Australian royal symbols[edit] The King's Flag for Australia, adopted in 2024Royal symbols are the visual and auditory identifiers of the Australian monarchy. The main symbol of the monarchy is the sovereign. The monarch's portrait has appeared on all Australian coins, with King Charles III's portrait in use for newly minted coins since 2024.[132] The monarch's image also previously appeared on most Australian definitive stamps until 1973. Due to complaints by royalists about this change, the annual Queen's Birthday stamp was introduced in 1980.[133] The monarch has also appeared on the lowest denomination of all Australian banknotes created to-date, with Queen Elizabeth II's portrait currently appearing on the five-dollar banknote.[134][135] However the Reserve Bank has announced that a new design that depicts Indigenous Australian culture and history instead of the new monarch will replace the existing design.[136]
Australian one-dollar banknote, 1968, featuring a profile of Elizabeth II on the obverse. The one-dollar coin replaced this note in 1984.A crown is depicted on the Queensland and Victorian state badges (which are included on the Australian coat of arms,[137]) and on various medals and awards.[138] For example, the crown's presence on the insignia of the Order of Australia represents the monarch's role as Head of the Order.[139] The sovereign is further both mentioned in and the subject of songs and loyal toasts.[140] Australia inherited the royal anthem "God Se the King" (alternatively, "God Se the Queen" in the reign of a female monarch) from the United Kingdom. It was the national anthem of Australia until 1984, and has since been retained as the country's royal anthem, its use generally restricted to official occasions where the monarch or a member of the royal family is present.[141][142]
Elizabeth II, the first monarch to be titled Queen of Australia, wearing her Australian insignia as sovereign of the Order of Australia and the Australian Wattle Spray Brooch, 2011His Majesty The King's Flag for Australia, approved on 30 August 2024 by Charles III, signifies his presence and is displayed when Charles is in Australia.[143] The flag was first used during the 2024 royal visit. The flag is used in the same way as the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom. Where practical, when it is flown on or outside a building, no other flag should be flown with it and is flown when the King is visiting Australia from all buildings, cars, boats or aircraft that he occupies. The flag features the six quarters of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, surrounded by an ermine border which represents the federation.[144]
As in other Commonwealth realms, the King's Official Birthday is a public holiday and, in Australia, is observed on the second Monday in June in all states and territories, except Queensland and Western Australia. In Queensland, it is celebrated on the first Monday in October, and in Western Australia it is usually the last Monday of September or the first Monday of October.[145] Celebrations are mainly official, including the Australian Birthday Honours list and military ceremonies.[146][147]
Popular royal symbolism emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria, as a means of encouraging loyalty to the wider British Empire. The Crown symbolised the "imagined community of a global British people" with prime minister Joseph Lyons calling it "the great unifying element in the British Empire". Queen Elizabeth II stated in 1954 during her Australian tour that "the Crown is the human link between all the people who owe allegiance to me, an allegiance of mutual love and respect and never of compulsion". To Australia's Indigenous peoples, the Crown has symbolised the dispossession of their land and the violation of their sovereignty, with the claiming of the east coat of Australia by James Cook done in the name of King George III. However, the Crown has also symbolised protection of Indigenous rights, with several petitions made to the monarch by Indigenous leaders protesting rights violations.[148][149][150] The continued presence of royal symbols has been argued to act as a "social construction of reality", which reinforces their perception as a "positive role in national life". Such symbolism has been criticised as akin to propaganda, that acts to counter arguments against the royals' social and political power.[151]
Religious role[edit]Until its new constitution went into force in 1962, the Anglican Church of Australia was part of the Church of England. Its titular head was consequently the monarch, in his or her capacity as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.[152] However, unlike in England, Anglicanism was never established as a state religion in Australia.[153]
History[edit] Main article: History of monarchy in Australia Statue of Queen Victoria in SydneyThe development of the Australian monarchy into the independent entity it is today began in 1770, when Captain James Cook, in the name of, and under instruction from, King George III, claimed the east coast of Australia.[154][155] Colonies were eventually founded across the continent,[156][157] all of them ruled by the monarch of the United Kingdom, upon the advice of his or her British ministers, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in particular. In 1901 the six colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, following the assent of Queen Victoria to the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. However, this did not change the relationship of the monarch to the new nation, with her powers (such as the appoint of governors, governors-general and others set out in the Constitution) exercised in accordance with the advice of British ministers.[17]
This situation continued until after the First World War, where in response to calls from some Dominions for a re-evaluation of their status under the Crown after their sacrifice and performance in the conflict,[81]: 110 the Balfour Declaration of 1926 was issued following a series of Imperial conferences. The statement provided that the United Kingdom and the Dominions were to be "autonomous communities within the British Empire, equal in status, in no way subordinate to one another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by a common allegiance to the Crown". The Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927, an Act of the Westminster Parliament, was the first indication of a shift in the law, which ensured the independence of the office.[158] Another move to independence occurred in 1930, when the British government agreed that the Australian Cabinet would advise the sovereign directly on the choice of governor-general. The Crown was further separated by the Statute of Westminster 1931,[159] adopted by Australia in 1942 (retroactive to 3 September 1939).[160]
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester inspects the Australian Women's Army Service as the governor-general, 1945The Curtin Labor government appointed Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, as governor-general during the Second World War. Curtin hoped the appointment might influence the British to despatch men and equipment to the Pacific War, and the selection of the brother of King George VI reaffirmed the important role of the Crown to the Australian nation at that time.[161] Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to visit Australia in 1954, greeted by huge crowds across the nation. In 1967, Elizabeth's son, Charles III (then Prince Charles), attended school in Geelong Grammar School in Corio, Victoria.[162] Her grandson Prince Harry undertook a portion of his gap-year living and working in Australia in 2003.[163]
Charles, Prince of Wales with students of his Australian alma mater, Geelong Grammar School, in 2006The sovereign did not possess a title unique to Australia until the Australian Parliament enacted the Royal Styles and Titles Act in 1953,[37] after the accession of Elizabeth to the throne, and giving her the title of Queen of the United Kingdom, Australia and Her other Realms and Territories. However, Elizabeth only acted as Queen of Australia at the federal level. At the state level, Elizabeth acted as Queen of the United Kingdom with state laws still subject to the Colonial Laws Validity Act, which meant that UK laws overrode them when inconsistent. While the federal government adopted the Statute of Westminster in 1942, which removed the legislative restrictions of the Colonial Laws Validity Act, the states specifically asked to be excluded from the agreement. This was because they felt their interests were better protected whilst they were under the authority of the UK, which provided a buffer against the increasing power of the federal government.
Thus, the British government could still – at least in theory, if not with some difficulty in practice – legislate for the Australian states, and the governors in the states were appointed by and represented the sovereign of the United Kingdom, not that of Australia.[164] As late as 1976, the British ministry advised the monarch to refuse Colin Hannah another term as Queensland's governor, after seriously considering unilaterally dismissing him due his breach of political impartiality, despite the recommendation of the then state Bjelke-Petersen government for his nomination.[165][166] Additionally, court cases from state supreme courts could be appealed directly to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, thereby bypassing the Australian High Court which otherwise could not be appealed in the privy council for federal matters since 1968 and for state matters since 1975.[167][168] In 1973 reference to the United Kingdom was removed by the Royal Style and Titles Act. Henceforth, the monarch would be styled uniquely as Queen of Australia. Elizabeth signed her assent to the Act at Government House, Canberra that year, leading Senior Vice President of the Labor Party, Jack Egerton, to remark to her, "They tell me, love, you've been naturalised."[169][170] It was with the passage of the Australia Act 1986, which repealed the Colonial Laws Validity Act and abolished appeals of state cases to London, that the final vestiges of the British monarchy in Australia were removed, leing a distinct Australian monarchy for the nation. The view in the Republic Advisory Committee's report in 1993 was that if, in 1901, Victoria, as Queen-Empress, symbolised the British Empire of which all Australians were subjects, all of the powers vested in the monarch under Australia's Constitution were now exercised on the advice of the Australian government.[17]
The 1999 Australian republic referendum was defeated by 54.4 per cent of the populace, despite polls showing that the majority supported becoming a republic.[171] Many commentators he argued that disagreement between republicans as to the preferred model for a republic (most notably over whether the president should be appointed or directly elected) was a key factor in the "no" result.[172][173] The referendum followed the recommendation of a 1998 Constitutional Convention called to discuss the issue of Australia becoming a republic. The Queen visited Australia a year after the referendum and stated that "I respect and accept the outcome of the referendum. In the light of the result last November, I shall continue faithfully to serve as Queen of Australia under the Constitution to the very best of my ability".[174][175]
Elizabeth II, the longest-serving monarch, died on 8 September 2022, and was succeeded by her son, Charles III. The coronation of Charles III and Camilla took place on 6 May 2023. In October 2024, Charles III became the first reigning King of Australia to visit the country.[176]
Debate[edit] Further information: Republicanism in Australia and Monarchism in Australia Public polling[edit] Further information: Republicanism in Australia § Public opinionVarious polls he been conducted on public support for the monarchy since at least 1953. These he produced a variety of responses, depending on the specific framing of the question. A peer review analysis of survey data published in the Australian Journal of Political Science in 1993 found that republican sentiment had slowly and stably increased from the 1950s and rose rapidly in the late 1980s and early 1990s such that certain polls indicated a majority or plurality republican support.[177] A follow up analysis published in 2016 found that support for the monarchy reached a low of 34 per cent in 1998 following the 1992 annus horribilis, before rising significantly to around 50% by 2016.[178]
Following the accession of King Charles in September 2022, the number of polls on the republic issue increased, producing a range of responses.
Political debate[edit] Thousands of Australians greeting King Charles III at the Sydney Opera House, 2024Whereas prime minister Julia Gillard stated that she would like to see Australia become a republic, she, on 21 October 2011, at a reception in the presence of the Queen at Parliament House, asserted that the monarch is "a vital constitutional part of Australian democracy and would only ever be welcomed as a beloved and respected friend".[179] After Kevin Rudd was appointed as prime minister, he affirmed that a republic was still a part of his party's platform and stated his belief that the debate on constitutional change should continue.[180]
Gillard had, during her time as prime minister, propounded that an appropriate time for Australia to become a republic would be after the end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Following Elizabeth's death, the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said in an interview he wanted Australia to he an appointed head of state, but he did not he a timetable for a referendum, did not commit to advising one take place during his time as prime minister, and postulated that no vote should happen until demand rose from the grassroots.[181] Albanese had earlier stated he would, out of respect for Elizabeth, merely refrain from hing the governor-general call a referendum before the next election for the House of Representatives.[182][183]
A woman protesting the monarchy during the public day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, 2022Republicans he dismissed the large public turnouts during royal tours as "the cult of celebrity".[184] However, following Prince William's and Catherine's visit to the Blue Mountains after devastating bush fires in 2014, historian Jane Connors opined that "there is still a sense that hing the royal family come to see you is more healing and significant than just hing anyone come to see you", citing comments made by some who had come to the area while the royal couple were present.[185] Academic Holly Randell-Moon has criticised royal visits as reinforcing the legitimacy of white settler possession against Indigenous sovereignty, with celebrity responses to the royals "obscuring the racial and religious power" of monarchy.[186]
Former governor-general Michael Jeffery argued that the constitutional monarchy has been key to Australia's political stability and lack of civil wars.[187]
The idea of a uniquely Australian monarch, resident in Australia, has been voiced occasionally. The proposition was first published in 1867.[188] It was later reiterated by Alan Atkinson in his 1993 book The Muddle Headed Republic,[189] by Harry Meklonian in 2009,[190] and by Richard Hughes in 2017.[191] In a similar vein, Waleed Aly suggested in 2022 replacing the monarch with a life appointed Indigenous "First Elder".[192] Another possibility, offered in 2009 by an American constitutional lawyer, would be to crown someone in the line of succession to the Australian throne (such as Prince Andrew and Prince Harry), but who is not expected to become monarch by the present rules of succession.[190]
List of monarchs of Australia[edit] Portrait Regnal name (Birth–Death) Royal dynasty Reign over Australia Full name Consort Start End Royal Style Major Events George III(1738–1820)House of Hanover 20 January 1788 29 January 1820 George William Frederick Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz 1788-1801: George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France[f], and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. 1788: Beginning of the British colonisation of Australia1808-1810: Rum Rebellion
1811-1820: The Regency
1801-1820: George the Third, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith George IV(1762–1830)House of Hanover 29 January 1820 26 June 1830 George Augustus Frederick Caroline of Brunswick George the Fourth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith 1824: Foundation of the NSW Legislative Council1825: Establishment of Van Diemen's Land (later Tasmania)
1829: Establishment of the Swan River Colony (later Western Australia)
William IV(1765–1837)House of Hanover 26 June 1830 20 June 1837 William Henry Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen William the Fourth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith 1835: Batman's treaty with Wurundjeri elders declared void1836: Establishment of South Australia
Victoria(1819–1901)House of Hanover 20 June 1837 22 January 1901 Alexandrina Victoria Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha 1837-1876: Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith 1843: First parliamentary election1851: Establishment of Victoria
1854: Eureka Stockade
1855: Responsible government in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania
1856: Responsible government in South Australia
1859: Establishment of Queensland
1868: End of penal transportation
1867-1868: First royal visit to Australia (Prince Alfred)
1881: First visit by a future Sovereign (George V)
1890: Responsible government in Western Australia
1901: Federation of Australia
1876-1901: Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India Edward VII(1841–1910)House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha 22 January 1901 6 May 1910 Albert Edward Alexandra of Denmark 1901: Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India 1907: Australia referred to as a dominion for the first time 1901-1910: Edward the Seventh, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India George V(1865–1936)House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (until 1917)House of Windsor (after 1917) 6 May 1910 20 January 1936 George Frederick Ernest Albert Mary of Teck 1910-1927: George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India 1919: Australia signs the Treaty of Versailles1920: Visit by future Edward VIII
1926: Visit by future George VI
1926: Balfour Declaration
1931: Statute of Westminster
1931: First Australian-born governor-general (Issac Issacs)
1932: Dismissal of premier Lang
1927-1936: George the Fifth, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India Edward VIII(1894–1972)House of Windsor 20 January 1936 11 December 1936 Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick Did None Edward the Eighth, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India 1936: Edward VIII abdication crisis George VI(1895–1952)House of Windsor 11 December 1936 6 February 1952 Albert Frederick Arthur George Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon 1936-1948: George the Sixth, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India c.1930s-1940s: Emergence of a separate Crown1942: Statute of Westminster Adoption Act passed
1945-1947: Governor-generalship of Prince Henry
1946: First Australian-born state governor (Sir John Northcott)
1948-1952: George the Sixth, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith Elizabeth II(1926–2022)House of Windsor 6 February 1952 8 September 2022 Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Philip Mountbatten 1952-1953: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas Queen, Defender of the Faith 1953: Royal Style and Titles Act 1953 passed1954: First visit by a reigning Sovereign
1965: Last British governor-general lees office (William Sidney)
1966: Future Charles III attends the Geelong Grammar School in Victoria for one term
1973: Royal Style and Titles Act 1973 passed
1975: Dismissal of Prime Minister Whitlam
1983: Last British state governor lees office (Richard Trowbridge)
1986: Australia Acts passed
1992: Pre-colonial Indigenous land rights recognised in the Mabo case
1999: United Kingdom legally found to be a "foreign power"
1999: Republic referendum defeated
1953-1973 (Commonwealth): Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Australia, and her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith 1953-1986 (State): Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith 1973-2022 (Commonwealth): Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth 1986-2022: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth Charles III(born 1948)House of Windsor 8 September 2022 Present Charles Philip Arthur George Camilla Shand King[b] Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King of Australia and his other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth 2024: First visit by a reigning King Timeline of monarchs[edit] See also[edit] Australia portalMonarchy portal Australian State Coach List of Australian organisations with royal patronage Royal tours of Australia List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II List of sovereign states headed by Elizabeth II Australian peers and baronets Wattle Queen King-in-Parliament Notes[edit] ^ Queen Elizabeth died at 3:10pm 8 September in Balmoral, UK which would he been 9 September in some Australian states.[2] The Australian Government acknowledges King Charles III's accession day as the day he became king in the United Kingdom, 8 September.[3] ^ a b It has been noted that the inclusion of the word "King" before "Charles" in the King's title is inconsistent with that of Queen Elizabeth II and the King's title in other realms.[23] ^ All the states apart from Victoria proclaimed the King's title to be the same as that proclaimed at the federal level.[27][28][29][30][31] Victoria declared the monarch's title to be His Majesty King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.[32] However, subsequent Victorian government documents he used the title Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.[33][34] ^ A proposal to remove "the second" and "by the grace of God" was dropped after Elizabeth indicated her preference that those phrases remain.[39][40][41] ^ Section 2 refers to "the Queen"[5] (at the time, Queen Victoria) and covering clause 2 requires that to be interpreted as referring to her "heirs and successors in the sovereignty of the United Kingdom". ^ See English claims to the French throne References[edit] Specific references[edit] ^ "Australian System of Government". Parliamentary Education Office. 3 November 2023. Australia is a representative democracy and a constitutional monarchy. It is also a federation of states. Many features of Australia's system of government are based on the Westminster system. ^ Dies, Caroline; Elgot, Jessica (30 December 2022). "The day Queen Elizabeth died: the inside story of her final hours". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 June 2023. ^ "Coronation frequently asked questions". www.pmc.gov.au. Australian Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 6 November 2023. ^ "Governor-General's Commission". Federal Register of Legislation. Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. 2 July 2019. Federal Register id: C2019G00563. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. ^ a b Constitution (Cth) s 2 ^ Letters Patent Relating to the Office of Governor‑General of the Commonwealth of Australia, 21 August 2008 "Office of Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia – 21/08/2008". 16 January 2019. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2023. ^ a b Australia Act 1986 (Cth) s 7 ^ Nicholson, Graham (November 2018). The Constitution of the Self-Governing Northern Territory of Australia (PhD thesis). Charles Darwin University. pp. 134–145. doi:10.25913/7xwc-1739. ^ Rhodes, Campbell (30 April 2018). "What Does a State Governor Do?". Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. ^ a b "The role of the Governor-General". The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Archived from the original on 25 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023. Under the Australian Constitution, the only action performed by The King is the appointment of the Governor-General (on the advice of the Australian Prime Minister) ^ a b "Infosheet 20 - The Australian System of Government". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 6 November 2023. The King's only necessary constitutional function is to appoint the Governor-General, and in doing this the King acts as advised by the Australian Prime Minister. The Constitution gives the King the power to disallow an Australian Act of Parliament, but this has never been done and it is extremely unlikely that it would ever be done. ^ Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 (Imp) s 2 ^ Australia's Constitution: With Overview and Notes by the Australian Government Solicitor (PDF). Parliamentary Education Office and Australian Government Solicitor, Canberra. November 2022. p. iii. The Constitution itself is contained in clause 9 of the British Act. The first eight clauses of the British Act are commonly referred to as the 'covering clauses'. They contain mainly introductory, explanatory and consequential provisions. For example, covering clause 2 provides that references to 'the Queen' (meaning Queen Victoria, who was British sovereign at the time the British Act was enacted) shall include references to Queen Victoria's heirs and successors. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, references in the Constitution to 'the Queen' now include King Charles III. ^ a b "Realms and Commonwealth". The Royal Family. Retrieved 24 December 2023. ^ Trepanier, Peter (2004). "Some Visual Aspects of the Monarchical Tradition" (PDF). Canadian Parliamentary Review. 27 (2). Ottawa: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association: 28. Retrieved 21 July 2020. ^ Sue v Hill [1999] HCA 30 at para 57, (1999) 199 CLR 462. ^ a b c Republic Advisory Committee (1993). An Australian Republic: The Options. Parliamentary Papers No. 168. Australian Government Publishing Service. pp. 28–30. 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He had wanted also to remove the words 'by the Grace of God', but the Queen would not hear of it. ^ "457 File Note by Bunting". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 22 April 1973. NAA: A1209, 1973/6398. ^ "Royal Style and Titles Act 1973 (Cth)". Museum of Australian Democracy. Retrieved 3 November 2015. ^ Royal Style and Titles Act 1947 (WA) ^ Royal Styles and Titles Act 1973 (SA) ^ Twomey 2011, pp. 453–5, 475–6. ^ The full title was to be "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of the United Kingdom, Australia, Queensland and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth" ^ Commonwealth v Queensland [1975] HCA 43, (1975) 134 CLR 298. ^ Twomey 2006, pp. 146–60. ^ a b Twomy, Anne (6 December 2012). "The law of succession to the Australian throne". Constitutional Critique. University of Sydney. ^ a b Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942 (Cth) s 3, sch 1 ^ Twomey, Anne (13 October 2011). "Changing the Rules of Succession to the Throne". Sydney Law School Research Paper (11/71). SSRN 1943287. ^ "Australia holds up changes to royal succession laws". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 27 February 2014. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 19 November 2023. ^ Constitution (Cth) s 51(xxxviii) ^ "Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches: Succession To The Crown (Request) (National Uniform Legislation) Bill 2013". Austlii. Retrieved 19 November 2023. 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The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 December 2023. General references[edit] Hill, Did (2016). Australia and the Monarchy. Random House. ISBN 978-0-85798-754-9. Twomey, Anne (2010). The Australia Acts 1986: Australia's Statutes of Independence. Annandale, NSW: Federation Press. ISBN 978-1-86287-807-5. Twomey, Anne (2006). The Chameleon Crown: The Queen and her Australian Governors. Annandale, NSW: Federation Press. ISBN 978-1-86287-629-3 – via Internet Archive. Smith, Did (2005). Head of State: The Governor-General, the Monarchy, the Republic and the Dismissal. Paddington, NSW: Macleay Press. ISBN 978-1-876492-15-1. External links[edit] Wikimedia Commons has media related to Australian monarchy. Governor-General of Australia (Official website) Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (Official website) Australian Republican Movement (Official website) Australian Monarchist League (Official website) Official Australian portraits of The King and Queen Articles related to Monarchy of Australia vteAustralia articlesHistory Timeline Bibliography Prehistory Archaeology European exploration Territorial evolution 1788–1850 1851–1900 1901–1945 1945–1983 1983–1996 1996–2007 2007–2022 Since 2022 By topic Asian Australians Constitutional Diplomatic Economic Federation Immigration Indigenous Military Monarchy Peace Railway Geography Climate Climate change Continent Deserts Environment issues Earthquakes Flora Fauna Forests Geology Islands Mountains Regions Protected areas Rivers Waterfalls World Heritage Sites Subdivisions States and territories Capitals Cities Politics Asylum Constitution Courts Elections Donations Electoral system Parties Federal budget Foreign relations Human rights Intersex LGBTQ Transgender Intelligence and security Law Constitution Judiciary Enforcement Military Monarchy National debt Parliament Political ideology Anarchism Christian Conservatism Far-right Liberalism Nationalism Republicanism Socialism Public Service Women Government leaders Government ministers Shadow Cabinet Government Cabinet of Australia list Governor-General list Prime Minister list Economy Agriculture Dollar Energy Gross state product Home ownership Public housing Household income Manufacturing Media Mining Poverty Reserve Bank Stock exchange Superannuation Taxation Telecommunications Tourism Transport Welfare system Society Abortion Aged care Censorship Citizenship Crime Education Euthanasia Healthcare Homelessness Human trafficking Immigration Irreligion Languages Life expectancy People Demographics Ethnic groups Indigenous Australians Prostitution Racism Religion Squatting Waste management Women Culture Architecture Art Arts Australian English Cinema Cuisine Dance Literature Music Public holidays Radio Sport Symbols Television Theatre Anglosphere Australian studies OutlineIndexBibliography Category Portal vteCommonwealth realms and dominionsCurrent Antigua and Barbuda (monarchy) Australia (monarchy) Bahamas (monarchy) Belize (monarchy) Canada (monarchy) Grenada (monarchy) Jamaica (monarchy) Realm of New Zealand Cook Islands New Zealand Niue Papua New Guinea (monarchy) Saint Kitts and Nevis (monarchy) Saint Lucia (monarchy) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (monarchy) Solomon Islands (monarchy) Tuvalu (monarchy) United Kingdom (monarchy) Former Barbados (monarchy) Ceylon (monarchy) Fiji (monarchy) The Gambia (monarchy) Ghana (monarchy) Guyana (monarchy) India Ireland (monarchy) Kenya (monarchy) Malawi (monarchy) Malta (monarchy) Mauritius (monarchy) Newfoundland1 Nigeria (monarchy) Pakistan (monarchy) Rhodesia2 (monarchy) Sierra Leone (monarchy) South Africa (monarchy) Tanganyika (monarchy) Trinidad and Tobago (monarchy) Uganda (monarchy) 1 Annexed by Canada in 1949 2 Rhodesia unilaterally declared independence in 1965, but this was not recognised internationally. Declared itself a republic in 1970. vteMonarchies Monarch Imperial, royal and noble ranks List of current sovereign monarchs List of current non-sovereign monarchs List of monarchy referendums Type Absolute Constitutional Diarchy Elective Federal Hereditary Non-sovereign Personal union Regency Topics Abdication Abolition of monarchy Aristocracy Criticism of monarchy Decolonization Democratization Dynasty Government Head of state Legitimacy (political) Oligarchy Order of succession Republicanism Self-proclaimed monarchy Sovereignty Titles Chhatrapati Emperor Khan King Queen regnant Pharaoh Prince regnant Raja Shah Sultan Tsar CurrentAfrica Eswatini Lesotho Morocco list Asia Bahrain Bhutan Brunei Cambodia Japan Jordan Kuwait Malaysia Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Thailand United Arab Emirates list Europe Andorra Belgium Denmark Liechtenstein Luxembourg Monaco Netherlands Norway Spain Sweden Vatican City (Holy See) Oceania Tonga Commonwealth realms Antigua and Barbuda Australia Bahamas Belize Canada Grenada Jamaica New Zealand Cook Islands Niue Papua New Guinea Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Solomon Islands Tuvalu United Kingdom FormerAfrica Adamawa Ankole Aussa Bagirmi Barotseland Bornu Burundi Central Africa Dahomey Egypt Ethiopia Ghana Gomma Gumma Islands of Refreshment Kaffa Kongo Libya Luba Madagascar Mali Maore Mari Mwali Ndzuwani Ngazidja Rwanda Shilluk Tunisia Wituland Wassoulou Yeke Zanzibar Zimbabwe and other Americas Araucanía Aztec Brazil Haiti Inca Mexico Miskito Suriname Talamanca Trinidad Thirteen Colonies Asia Afghanistan Asir Bengal Bukhara Burma Cebu Chehab China Dapitan Hejaz Indonesia Iran (Qajar) Iraq Jabal Shammar Kathiri Khiva Korea Kumul Kurdistan Laos Maguindanao Mahra Maldives Manchukuo Mongolia Najran Nepal Qu'aiti Ryukyu Sarawak Shan Sikkim Sri Lanka Sip Song Chau Tai Sulu Syria Tibet Taiwan Upper Asir Upper Yafa Vietnam Yemen Emirates of South Arabia South Arabia Europe Albania Aragon Asturias Austria Austria-Hungary Baria Bosnia Brittany Bulgaria Catalonia Cilicia Corsica Crimea Cyprus Finland France Galicia Georgia Germany Granada Greece Hanover Hungary Iceland Imereti Ireland Italy Kartli-Kakheti Lithuania Majorca Man Moldia Montenegro Narre Neuchâtel Ottoman Empire Papal States Piedmont-Sardinia Poland–Lithuania Portugal Prussia Romania Russia Samos Soy Saxony Scotland Serbia Tolara Tuscany Two Sicilies United Baltic Duchy Valencia Württemberg Yugoslia Oceania Abemama Bora Bora Easter Island Fiji Hawaii Huahine Mangareva Niuē-Fekai Nuku Hiva Raiatea Rapa Iti Rarotonga Rimatara Rurutu Tahiti Tahuata Commonwealth realms Barbados Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Fiji The Gambia Ghana Guyana India (British Raj, princely states) Irish Free State / Ireland Kenya Malawi Malta Mauritius Nigeria Pakistan Rhodesia Sierra Leone South Africa Tanganyika Trinidad and Tobago Uganda vteCharles IIIKing of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms (2022–present)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 United Kingdom Titles andhonours Head of the Commonwealth Defender of the Faith Supreme Governor of the Church of England Head of the Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces Head of the Armed Forces (New Zealand) Lord of Mann Duke of Normandy King's Official Birthday Flags Royal Family Order Family Camilla Shand (wife) Diana Spencer (former wife) William, Prince of Wales (elder son) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (younger son) Elizabeth II (mother) Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (father) Anne, Princess Royal (sister) Prince Andrew, Duke of York (brother) Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (brother) Life as Prince of Wales Investiture Coronet First wedding guest list Tampongate Did Kang incident Second wedding Prince of Wales v Associated Newspapers Ltd Black spider memos 2022 State Opening of Parliament Overseas trips Accession andcoronation Proclamation of accession (attendees) Coronation Medal Concert guest list Coronation quiche Scottish service Reign Household Prime ministers Governors-general Operation Menai Bridge State and official visits made 2023 visits to France; Kenya; 2024 tour of Australia; 2025 visit to Italy; 2025 opening of the Canadian Parliament State visits received 2025 visit by Emmanuel Macron Trooping the Colour 2023 2024 2025 State Opening of Parliament 2023 2024 Charitiesand campaigns Mutton Renaissance Campaign The Prince's Charities British Asian Trust Business in the Community Children & the Arts In Kind Direct iwill Campaign The Royal Countryside Fund The King's Foundation The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts King Charles III Charitable Fund Royal Drawing School Turquoise Mountain Foundation Youth Business Scotland The Prince's May Day Network King's Trust ResidencesAs Prince of Wales Clarence House (official) Highgrove House (private) Birkhall Llwynywermod As King Buckingham Palace (official) Windsor Castle (official) Holyrood Palace (official, Scotland) Hillsborough Castle (official, Northern Ireland) Sandringham House (private) Balmoral Castle (private) Craigowan Lodge (private) Awards givenand created List of awards received Prince of Wales's Intelligence Community Awards Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership The Sun Military Awards Business ventures Duchy Home Farm Dumfries House Highgrove House Shops Knockroon Nansledan Poundbury Waitrose Duchy Organic DepictionsTelevised addresses Royal address to the nation Royal Christmas Message Documentaries Royal Family (1969) Charles: The Private Man, the Public Role (1994) Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work (2007) Elizabeth at 90: A Family Tribute (2016) Charles R: The Making of a Monarch (2023) Charles III: The Coronation Year (2023) The King's Music Room (2025) Filmand television Chorus Girls (1981) Charles & Diana: A Royal Love Story (1982) The Royal Romance of Charles and Diana (1982) Spitting Image (1984–1996, 2020–2021) Charles and Diana: Unhappily Ever After (1992) Willi und die Windzors (1996) Whatever Love Means (2005) The Queen (2006 film) The Queen (2009 TV serial) King Charles III (2017 film) The Windsors (2016–2020 TV series) The Crown (2016–2023) The Prince (2021) Spencer (2021) Plays Her Royal Highness..? (1981) King Charles III (2014) Diana (2019/2021) The Windsors: Endgame (2021) Portraits Bryan Organ (1980) John Wonnacott (2000) Richard Stone (2000 and 2009) Susan Crawford (2000) Jonathan Yeo (2024) Peter Kuhfeld (2025) Ai-Da (2025) Bibliography The Old Man of Lochnagar (1980) A Vision of Britain: A Personal View of Architecture (1989) Harmony: A New Way of Looking at Our World (2010) Climate Change (2023) Eponyms Prince Charles Island Prince Charles Mountains Prince Charles stream tree frog ← Elizabeth II vteConstitution of AustraliaLegislative power Parliament Chapter I of the Constitution of Australia: The Legislature Section 51 of the Constitution of Australia House of Representatives Senate Executive power Cabinet Chapter II of the Constitution of Australia: The Executive Section 61 of the Constitution of Australia Monarchy Governor-General Federal Executive Council Judicial power High Court Chapter III of the constitution of Australia: Courts Section 75 of the Constitution of 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I: The Parliament II: The Executive Government III: The Judicature IV: Finance and Trade V: The States VI: New States VII: Miscellaneous VIII: Alteration of the Constitution By section 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 105A 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 Enumerated legislative powers (Section 51) Powers of (i) Interstate trade and commerce (ii) Taxation (v) Post and telegraph (communication) (vi) Defence (ix) Quarantine (x) Fisheries (xii) Currency (xiii) Banking (xiv) Insurance (xviii) Copyrights, patents and trademarks (xix) Naturalization and aliens (xx) Corporations (xxi) Marriage (xxii) Divorce (xxiii) Pensions (xxiiiA) Social security (xxvi) Race 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