The Queen was recently reported to be potentially stepping down from the role she has held since 1952 as early as next April when she turns 95. Prince Charles then be crowned King as he is the eldest child of Her Majesty and first in line to the throne. But his ascension may not be welcomed in certain parts of the Commonwealth, as countries such as Australia will have “no say” in deciding who they want to be the next head of state.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Sandy Biar, national director at Australian Republic Movement, said: “The notion of a ‘King of Australia’ is as foreign to Australians as the monarchy itself.
“His ascension will be a shocking wake up call for Australians – many of which are completely unaware the British Monarchy has any formal role in Australia’s system of government.
“Australians deserve to have an Australian, chosen by Australians as the head of our nation.
“When Charles succeeds Queen Elizabeth II, Australians will get no say at all about him becoming the head of our country.
“Charles has been a divisive and controversial figure in Australia and the UK for quite some time, and his ascension will bring about an unprecedented period of instability and uncertainty for the monarchy.”
Prince Charles would become Sovereign of Australia’s constitutional monarchy when he steps up to the role.
This would mean he would not get involved directly with decision making with the Australian Government.
He would only be involved in ceremonial and symbolic aspects of Australian culture.
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“Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a republic by the time we celebrate our 55th anniversary of independence.”
Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966, but the Queen remains its constitutional monarch.
In 1998, a Barbados constitutional review commission recommended the country becoming a republic.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart then said in 2015 that “we have to move from a monarchical system to a republican form of government in the very near future”.
The nation is not set to follow Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica and Guyana in becoming a republic.
Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace said the Queen has no intention of stepping down after she kept out of the public eye during the coronavirus pandemic.
Palace aides said: “It’s a delicate line but I think we will see her doing private audiences again and more of the work we are used to seeing her do in public at some point in the future.
“She is still receiving her red Government boxes and having her weekly audience with the Prime Minister.
“There is no suggestion of her stepping back, she is very much fulfilling her duties as head of state.”
