Queen Elizabeth II had the longest reign in British history. He took office in 1952, at the age of 25, as the highest political figure in the United Kingdom and other realms of the Commonwealth of Nations. This September 8, 2022, he died. Therefore, his son Carlos III (the name he chose to rule after holding the title of Prince Charles of Wales) will assume the throne.

It was 70 years of rule and a political and diplomatic legacy that could perhaps be lost in time. The reason for this is that for several decades, countries that had the monarch of the United Kingdom as head of state have been pushing to become republics.

In other words, with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, not only the British currency will change with the portrait of the new king or the uniform of the army. The global political map as it is known today could also do this, due to the authority of the British royal family with the monarchies they lead.

Australia is one of the countries that has most debated the possibility of becoming completely independent of the Crown. In 1999, a referendum was held, but this consultation failed. The “no” was resounding. In 2016, as the country celebrated its national day, a manifesto was released calling for an end to the monarchy over his rule. No major claims have been heard since then. But then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull showed that after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, that possibility could be considered again.

Scotland, as part of the United Kingdom, is another push for independence. The current Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has proposed October 19, 2023 to hold a referendum on this issue.

Moment the BBC’s Huw Edwards announces the death of Elizabeth II https://t.co/qcGA1wFQXl pic.twitter.com/NrCDmBv6Ea

— THE WORLD (@elmundoes) September 8, 2022

Brief History of the Commonwealth

Queen Elizabeth II was also monarch of the 15 Commonwealth realms. The list includes —además de Reino Unido— in Antigua y Barbuda, Granada, Belice, Jamaica, San Cristóbal y Nieves, Bahamas, Australia, Canada, Nueva Zelanda, Papúa Nueva Guinea, San Vicente y las Granadinas, Islas Salomón, Tuvalu y Santa Lucy.

These are also part of the Commonwealth of Nations, founded in 1926. It is made up of 54 countries with historically close ties to the UK. Of this total, 34 are republics, 15 recognize the British crown and five have other kings.

But then, with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there won’t just be a change of command. It could also change this political configuration of nearly a century ago, despite the fact that Elizabeth II was more of a ceremonial figure. This would happen in a complicated global context with a war developing in Eastern Europe by Russian decision or with China and Iran becoming more powerful in both hemispheres.

Barbados was one of the countries that recently decided to break with Queen Elizabeth. It happened in November of last year. At the same time, other of the 15 kingdoms of the Commonwealth have taken steps or announced their intention to dissociate themselves from the head of state of the United Kingdom. As pointed out in an article by BBC, Jamaica has created a committee to oversee the process of constitutional change, in Grenada the demand for a referendum is growing and Belize “has earmarked funds in its budget for a preliminary commission”. Let’s also not forget the dispute with Argentina over the Malvinas Islands.

The challenge of Carlos III

Queen Elizabeth II has won global sympathy after seven decades at the helm of the British Crown. She has seen more than 12 British prime ministers, including Liz Truss, whom she received just days ago when she took office, as well as seven popes. He was also a strategic figure in the face of other world leaders.

At 73, Carlos III will have to fill this void in a troubled global context. Additionally, the fact that several Commonwealth realms proceed to full independence could end up weakening the Crown.

According to the law, he has already become king. All that is missing is the formal recognition of the Membership Council and the ensuing coronation. The position at the head of the Commonwealth is not hereditary, but in 2018 the various leaders authorized the Queen’s request for it to be so. However, several demand that the order be rotated, which will undoubtedly enhance Queen Elizabeth II’s death.