Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
King Charles says Caribbean countries can choose to become republics
King Charles says countries can replace him as head of state if that is what their people want.
He remains head of state in 14 countries outside the UK, including seven in the Caribbean.
Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister, Gaston Browne, wants his country to become a republic, a system without the monarch as head of state.
The debate comes as Caribbean countries discuss Britain’s legacy of slavery and demands for reparations.
The King’s position is that the choice belongs to each country, and royal aides say the family would not oppose a change.
Barbados became a republic in 2021 while remaining in the Commonwealth.
Charles’s recent tour also aimed to strengthen trade and cooperation on issues such as the environment.
King Charles is willing to stop serving as head of state in Caribbean countries if their people no longer want the monarchy.
A senior royal aide said the King and Royal Family are open to countries choosing a new arrangement.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he wants his country to become a republic.
Charles remains head of state in seven Caribbean realms, including Antigua and Barbuda.
The debate is unfolding alongside calls for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
- Who
- King Charles and Caribbean countries where he is head of state.
- What
- Charles says countries can choose to become republics, and he will not stand in their way.
- When
- The comments came at the close of Charles’s recent tour; the article was published on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- The Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda.
- Why
- The King and Royal Family say they serve for as long as people want them to; countries can choose a new arrangement if they do not.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Barbados transitioned from a realm to a republic.
Charles met Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Charles and Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke at an official dinner during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Charles and Queen Camilla departed Antigua and Barbuda.
- Caribbean realms
- 7
- Charles’s realms outside the UK
- 14
- Antigua and Barbuda prime minister
- Gaston Browne
- Barbados became a republic
- 2021
- Charles’s tour
- The Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda
What people are saying
The King and the Royal Family are there to serve the people of these regions for as long as they wish.
But if they don't wish it any more, then we really are fully open to that.
I am a republican