Why Ditching the British Monarch Is Legally Challenging, From Australia to Jamaica

King Charles III is now officially the head of state in 14 countries outside of the United Kingdom, and in some of those realms, there is fresh debate about abolishing the monarchy following Queen Elizabeth II’s death. But experts say that cutting ties with the Crown isn’t an easy legal process.

Here’s a look at which countries are talking about replacing the monarch and the challenges they may face moving forward.

0:00 King Charles III is now head of state for 14 countries outside the U.K.
0:34 The Commonwealth realms that are talking about cutting ties with the monarchy
2:22 Why replacing the monarch can be legally challenging

I’m Shelby Holliday, a reporter for WSJ. Subscribe to join me as I explain some of today's most pressing geopolitical events, from superpower showdowns and conflicts to supply chain snarls and natural resource struggles.

#Commonwealth #Monarchy #Republics #ShelbyHolliday

[WSJPodcasts]

Do you think the British monarch should remain the official head of state in the 14 Commonwealth realms outside the U.K.?

[bgg]

As Queen of Australia, the last time she came to Australia was 11 years ago, which makes it difficult for Australians to always think that the monarchy can always exist.

[pavarangi]

I’m a New Zealander and I don’t really care about who is the head of state . I’m more interested in effective and competent government. By all means change the head of state if you want, it doesn’t matter who it is. The most important thing is effective and competent government that reflects the best values of the people.

[Englishknightsrwe]

well the uk will always offer ties regardless of independence you see the journey we took together is both unique and rare the interaction we share makes us the people we are and what can be more a splendid thing as this

[amund]

The bar should be quite high. It is a difficult decision and should not be taken lightly.

[chi-jenyang]

Australia should replace King Charles III with a kangaroo, which is a far better symbol of the country.

[AiGeneratedWaluigi]

If the last challenge to abolishing the monarchy is lack of popular support then it’s not a challenge, it’s just a person in power trying to get their name put in history

[CARTER.J]

@ :35 not all the common wealth countries were British empire colonies, some actually joined the commonwealth when the late HMQ Elizabeth Regina ERII was on the throne.

[beawatton]

There needs to be more education on the benefits of a constitutional monarchy within the commonwealth. There is so much misunderstanding with the role it plays and how crucial it is for stability. If a president or prime minister ever suggests removing the monarchy, you have to question their motives; after all, the monarchy is there, in part, to ensure the powers of leaders are not misused, like is so often the case for countries outside the commonwealth.

[jacquelinekeddy]

The people of these countries need to be educated on history and the monarchy

[bvkronenberg]

As an American, can some explain why this is a thing? Is there some thing real about the monarchy for ya’ll?

[aaronfield]

Then why can't they just reform it into an electoral monarchy?

[xismecwilliams]

Wasn’t there a recent release of australia being 75% in favour of the monarch.. so I don’t think they are going to remove them anytime soon. I’m sure it’ll be fine…

[GD]

Poor uk. Soon all countries will leave and later Scotland and Northern Ireland

[walkerbraswell]

Imagine not having broken free from the British monarchy over 200 years ago.

[matt]

If they can add up the value of the British relationship they need to end it.

[namkebanyanklariti]

Minister Ms. Malahoo Forte just came out March 20, 2025 and said what I have been saying to Jamaicans all this time: The JLP government does not want Jamaica to be a Republic. They have been dragging their feet with this measure over two terms and still dragging it trying to make it (Republic) the PNPs problem. The best time to have a referendum in any country is during a general election when the people can decisively come out and vote on who they want their political representative to be and whether they want the country to be a Republic or maintain the status quo. By switching the referendum to another time, the JLP is ensuring there will be lower voter turnout so they can say the vote was not substantial enough or not representative enough or wasn't decisive enough. Do y'all see the trickery here? I hope I am not the only one. Pants on fire Mr PM!!!

[andyb]

There is no loss or practical problem with having the king as monarch, excepted the vanity and ego of many politicians to wish they could be president.

[harbormelody]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance- wealth, a great career, purpose-is the result of hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life..

[tonyhasfun]

The chiming music of this video is so annoying