Monarchy of Saint Lucia
King of Saint Lucia | |
---|---|
Incumbent | |
Charles III since 8 September 2022 | |
Details | |
Style | His Majesty |
Heir apparent | William, Prince of Wales |
First monarch | Elizabeth II |
Formation | 22 February 1979 |
Administrative divisions (Quarters) |
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The monarchy of Saint Lucia is a system of government in which a hereditary
All executive authority is vested in the monarch, and royal assent is required for the Parliament of Saint Lucia to enact laws and for letters patent and Orders in Council to have legal effect. Most of the powers are exercised by the elected members of parliament, the ministers of the Crown generally drawn from amongst them, and the judges and justices of the peace. Other powers vested in the monarch, such as dismissal of a prime minister, are significant but are treated only as reserve powers and as an important security part of the role of the monarchy.
The Crown today primarily functions as a guarantor of continuous and stable governance and a nonpartisan safeguard against the abuse of power. While some powers are exercisable only by the sovereign, most of the monarch's operational and ceremonial duties are exercised by his representative, the governor-general of Saint Lucia.
Origins
The French were the first Europeans to settle on the island. They signed a treaty with the native
After attempting a federation with other West Indian colonies in 1958, Saint Lucia continued as a self-governing colony and later assumed a status of association with the United Kingdom on 1 March 1967. Saint Lucia achieved full independence on 22 February 1979, as an independent realm within the Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state and Queen of Saint Lucia.[1]
Saint Lucia continues to cherish and benefit from its long standing relationship with the monarchy which has taken this island from colonialism through Associated Statehood and now Independence.
Princess Alexandra represented the Queen at the independence celebrations in 1979.[3] She opened the first session of the new parliament on 22 February, on behalf of the Queen.[4]
The Saint Lucian Crown and its aspects
I know that
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, 2012[5]
Saint Lucia is one of fifteen independent nations, known as Commonwealth realms, which shares its sovereign with other monarchies in the Commonwealth of Nations, with the monarch's relationship with Saint Lucia completely independent from his position as monarch of any other realm. Despite sharing the same person as their respective monarch, each of the Commonwealth realms — including Saint Lucia — is sovereign and independent of the others. The monarch is represented by a viceroy—the governor-general of Saint Lucia—in the country.[6]
Since the independence of Saint Lucia in 1979, the pan-national Crown has had both a shared and a separate character and the sovereign's role as monarch of Saint Lucia is distinct to his or her position as monarch of any other realm, including the United Kingdom.[7] The monarchy thus ceased to be an exclusively British institution and in Saint Lucia became a Saint Lucian, or "domesticated" establishment.[8][9]
This division is illustrated in a number of ways: The sovereign, for example, holds a unique Saint Lucian title and, when he is acting in public specifically as a representative of Saint Lucia, he uses, where possible, symbols of Saint Lucia, including the country's national flag, unique royal symbols, and the like. Also, only Saint Lucia government ministers can advise the sovereign on matters of the country.[6]
In Saint Lucia, the legal personality of the state is referred to as "The Crown in right of Saint Lucia".[10]
Title
In Saint Lucia, the monarch's official title is: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Saint Lucia and of His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.[11]
This style communicates Saint Lucia's status as an independent monarchy, highlighting the monarch's role specifically as sovereign of Saint Lucia, as well as the shared aspect of the Crown throughout the realms. Typically, the sovereign is styled "King of Saint Lucia", and is addressed as such when in Saint Lucia, or performing duties on behalf of Saint Lucia abroad.
Succession
Like some realms, Saint Lucia defers to United Kingdom law to determine the line of succession.[12]
Succession is by
Upon a demise of the Crown (the death or abdication of a sovereign), it is customary for the accession of the new monarch to be proclaimed by the governor-general in the capital, Castries, after the accession. Regardless of any proclamations, the late sovereign's heir immediately and automatically succeeds, without any need for confirmation or further ceremony. An appropriate period of mourning also follows, during which flags across the country are flown at half-mast to honour the late monarch.[14]
Constitutional role
On my assuming office, I chose as my Mission Statement to truly and faithfully represent the Sovereign in Saint Lucia in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, to foster national unity and identity at home and abroad, to promote our national economic, cultural and social interests and to encourage excellence in all fields of endeavours.
— Governor-GeneralDame Pearlette Louisy, 2017[15]
The Constitution of Saint Lucia is made up of a variety of statutes and conventions which gives Saint Lucia a parliamentary system of government under a constitutional monarchy, wherein the role of the monarch and governor-general is both legal and practical, but not political. The Crown is regarded as a corporation, in which several parts share the authority of the whole, with the sovereign as the person at the centre of the constitutional construct,
Most of the monarch's domestic duties are performed by the governor-general, appointed by the monarch on the advice of the
All institutions of government act under the sovereign's authority; the vast powers that belong to the Saint Lucian Crown are collectively known as the
Executive
One of the main duties of the Crown is to appoint a
There are also a few duties which are specifically performed by the monarch, such as appointing the governor-general.[6]
The governor-general, to maintain the stability of the government of Saint Lucia, appoints as prime minister the individual most likely to maintain the support of the Saint Lucian House of Assembly.[21] The governor-general additionally appoints other ministers, at the direction of the prime minister.[22] The monarch is informed by his viceroy of the acceptance of the resignation of a prime minister and the swearing-in of a new prime minister and other members of the ministry, and he remains fully briefed through regular communications from his Saint Lucian ministers.[6]
Foreign affairs
The Royal Prerogative further extends to foreign affairs: the governor-general ratifies treaties, alliances, and international agreements. As with other uses of the Royal Prerogative, no parliamentary approval is required. However, a treaty cannot alter the domestic laws of Saint Lucia; an Act of Parliament is necessary in such cases. The governor-general, on behalf of the monarch, also accredits Saint Lucian
Parliament
The sovereign, along with the Senate and the House of Assembly, is one of the three components of the Parliament of Saint Lucia.[24]
The monarch does not, however, participate in the legislative process; the viceroy does, though only in the granting of
The new parliamentary session is marked by the Opening of Parliament, during which the monarch or the governor-general reads the
All laws in Saint Lucia are enacted only with the viceroy's granting of
Courts
The Sovereign is deemed the "fount of justice," and is responsible for rendering justice for all subjects.[35] The Sovereign does not personally rule in judicial cases; instead, judicial functions are performed in his or her name. In Saint Lucia, 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] versus [Name].[36][37] Hence, the common law holds that the sovereign "can do no wrong"; the monarch cannot be prosecuted in his or her own courts for criminal offences.[38]
The governor-general, on behalf of the monarch of Saint Lucia, can also grant immunity from prosecution, exercise the royal prerogative of mercy, and pardon offences against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. The exercise of the 'Prerogative of mercy' to grant a pardon and the commutation of prison sentences is described in section 74 of the Constitution.[39]
Cultural role
The Crown and Honours
Within the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is deemed the fount of honour.[40] Similarly, the monarch, as Sovereign of Saint Lucia, confers awards and honours in Saint Lucia in his name. Most of them are often awarded on the advice of "His Majesty's Saint Lucia Ministers".[41][42]
Saint Lucia's own
The Crown and the Police Force
The national police force of Saint Lucia is known as "The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force".[46]
The
Every member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has to swear allegiance to the monarch of Saint Lucia, on taking office. Under the Police Act of Saint Lucia, every police officer has to make the following declaration on being appointed:[46]
"I, (name), do hereby swear by Almighty God (or do hereby solemnly and sincerely affirm) that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully serve His Majesty the King, His Heirs and Successors during my service in the Saint Lucia Police Force, that I will subject myself to all Acts, orders and regulations relating to the said Force now in force or which may from time to time be in force and will discharge all the duties of a police officer according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will."
Saint Lucian royal symbols
The main symbol of the Saint Lucian monarchy is the sovereign himself. Thus, framed portraits of him are displayed in public buildings and government offices.
The former Queen also appears on commemorative stamps of Saint Lucia.[48] A crown is also used to illustrate the monarchy as the locus of authority, appearing on police force, postal workers, prison officers, and Royal Saint Lucia Police Force badges and rank insignia.[47]
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The flag of the Saint Lucian governor-general featuring St Edward's Crown
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The emblem of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force featuring the Crown
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The arch above the gates of Government House featuring an inscription marking the Queen's first ever visit to Saint Lucia on 16 February 1966
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A Saint Lucian meter stamp featuring the Crown
Royal visits
Queen Elizabeth II first visited Saint Lucia as part of her Caribbean tour of 1966. During her visit she opened the new Winban Research Centre. She and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, travelled on HMY Britannia. They were treated to traditional Saint Lucian Dances and a firework display. In 1979 Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy represented the Queen at the independence celebrations. In 1985, the Queen laid the foundation stone for the new Red Cross headquarters and visited residential homes for the elderly and schools. They also visited the Girls' Vocational School where they met children involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.[49]
The Prince of Wales visited in 1989 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of these celebrations.
Public opinion
A 2023 opinion poll found that 56% supported keeping the monarchy whilst 39% would prefer for Saint Lucia to become a republic.[56]
List of Saint Lucian monarchs
Portrait | Regnal name (Birth–Death) |
Reign over Saint Lucia | Full name | Consort | House | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start | End | |||||
Elizabeth II (1926–2022) |
22 February 1979 | 8 September 2022 | Elizabeth Alexandra Mary | Philip Mountbatten | Windsor | |
Governors-general: Sir Allen Montgomery Lewis, Boswell Williams, Sir Stanislaus A. James, Sir George Mallet, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Sir Neville Cenac, Errol Charles (acting) Prime ministers: Sir John Compton, Allan Louisy, Winston Cenac, Vaughan Lewis, Kenny Anthony, Stephenson King, Allen Chastanet, Philip J. Pierre | ||||||
Charles III (b. 1948) |
8 September 2022 | present | Charles Philip Arthur George | Camilla Shand | Windsor | |
Governors-general: Errol Charles (acting) Prime ministers: Philip J. Pierre |
See also
- History of Saint Lucia
- Lists of office-holders
- List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II
- List of prime ministers of Charles III
- List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II
- Monarchies in the Americas
- List of monarchies
References
- ^ a b "Saint Lucia". Britannica. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
- ^ Allen M. Chastanet (17 March 2019), Welcome Remarks On the Occasion of the Visit of His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (PDF), retrieved 3 February 2023
- ISBN 9780716604808
- ^ ISLA: Volume 18, 1979, p. 314
- ^ "A Royal Visit for a Royal Occasion". 23 February 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d The Queen's role in St Lucia
- ^ Queen and St Lucia
- JSTOR 138434.
- ISBN 9781554889808,
The Crown is an institution that has grown to become specific to the country in which it now finds itself planted. No longer just a British monarchy, the Crown is separately a Jamaican monarchy, Tuvaluan monarchy, Canadian monarchy, et cetera.
- ^ "Land and House Tax Act" (PDF). Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "Home: The Queen and the Commonwealth: Queen and St Lucia". The British Monarchy. Retrieved 28 February 2009.
- ^ Clegg, Nick (26 March 2015), Commencement of Succession to the Crown Act 2013 :Written statement - HCWS490, London: Queen's Printer, retrieved 26 March 2015
- 2003 court ruling wrote that "Union under the ... Crown together with other Commonwealth countries [is a] constitutional principle". O’Donohue v. Canada, 2003 CanLII 41404 (ON S.C.)
- ^ "A Royal Farewell". govt.lc.
- ^ "Address to the Nation by Her Excellency Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy GCSL, GCMG, Governor General of Saint Lucia" (PDF). govt.lc. 21 December 2017.
- ^ Cox, Noel; Murdoch University Electronic Journal of Law: Black v Chrétien: Suing a Minister of the Crown for Abuse of Power, Misfeasance in Public Office and Negligence; Volume 9, Number 3 (September 2002)
- ^ "James v Government of St. Lucia". 16 April 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ Elizabeth II (1979), "Constitution of Saint Lucia" (PDF), govt.lc, p. 67, retrieved 7 July 2022
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 62
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 68
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 67
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 67
- ^ Read the contents of the first page of a Saint Lucian passport in the image in: "Economic citizenship of St Lucia". Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 36
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 57
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 36
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 36
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 62
- ^ "Elections Act" (PDF). Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "Throne Speeches". Government of Saint Lucia. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 57
- ^ "Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act 2022" (PDF). Government Printery. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 57
- ^ "Saint Lucia Parliament — Proclamation Dissolving Parliament" (PDF). 6 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ISBN 9780002112338
- ^ "The Queen v Trudy Edward". 4 July 2004. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ "The Queen v Aldrick William". 5 July 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
- ^ Halsbury's Laws of England, volume 12(1): "Crown Proceedings and Crown Practice", paragraph 101
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 77
- ^ Commonwealth Journal: The Journal of the Royal Commonwealth Society · Volumes 12-14, Royal Commonwealth Society, 1969, p. 99
- ^ "No. 63718". The London Gazette (5th supplement). 1 June 2022. p. B53.
- ^ "No. 62513". The London Gazette (7th supplement). 28 December 2018. p. N61.
- ^ Elizabeth II 1979, p. 183
- ^ "Honors and Awards". Office of the Governor-General of Saint Lucia. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
- ^ "Saint Lucia to award knighthood". Government of Saint Lucia. 19 February 2016.
- ^ a b "Police Act" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 July 2022.
- ^ a b "Royal Saint Lucia Police Force". Archived from the original on 9 July 2022.
- ^ "Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Celebration" (PDF). 13 February 2012.
- ^ a b Royal Visits
- ^ "St. Lucia isle welcomes Prince Andrew's visit". Deseret News. 22 February 2004. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "The Prince of Wales arrives in St. Lucia for the start of Caribbean tour". Royal Central. 18 March 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "St Lucia celebrates 33 years of Independence". NationNews. 22 February 2012. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2012.
- ^ "Prince Harry visits St Lucia". Royal.uk. 25 November 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "Royal Visit to the Caribbean: St Lucia". princeofwales.gov.uk. 17 March 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda". Royal.uk. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
- ^ "The monarchy: the view from the "Commonwealth realms" - Lord Ashcroft Polls". lordashcroftpolls.com. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
External links
- St Lucia at the website of The Royal Family
- Office of the Governor-General of Saint Lucia