The Commonwealth: What's The Point?

With King Charles III and his Queen Camilla now officially Monarchs of the UK this makes them Heads of Commonwealth nations. The Commonwealth is a hangover from the days of the British Empire. When Britain and its Empire ruled a quarter of the globe. That's why it was said the sun never set on the British Empire.

After WWII many nations won their independence from Britain. Many of these opted to remain in the Commonwealth. It includes nations in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, etc. Even with the Empire gone Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh still toured these nations. Often with the British monarchs atop a landrover with the inhabitants of these nations waving flags their own and the British flag.

It often seemed the populations of these nations seemed like little children. The Royals seemed like gods descending from on high to be with the peasantry. But that's how it was during the days of the empire and continues to this day. The Queen was the Head of Commonwealth nations even though like in the UK she had no power (although one cannot think that maybe royalty do have more power than is let on).

The Commonwealth occasionally gathers to discuss various local and worldly issues. Then they gather for the family photo. With Commonwealth leaders and the Queen posing to show how united they are?

When William and Kate visited Jamaica recently there was something different. Jamaica wishes to be a Republic at some point and is not in awe of the Royals as they were. Other nations want to go the same way. Being a republic doesn't necessarily mean leaving the commonwealth. However, some nations if they do become republics may leave the Commonwealth. Some nations when Queen Elizabeth was alive did leave.

Republicanism is a thing in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. New Zealand actually said one day they could see themselves without the monarch as head of state. The US if it had not fought for its independence may have been in the Commonwealth today. It's a 'what if' question in another reality where the British won the American War of Independence.

The question has to be asked what is the point of the Commonwealth? It can't take military action, it is not like NATO. It is not like the European Union (which the UK sadly voted to leave). It seems as I said a hangover from the days when the UK with its empire was a superpower. Now it is just a talking shop where commonwealth leaders gather for a chat, nice food, nice drink, exotic locations, and the team photo at the end.

So if the UK cast off the European Union should we also do the same with the Commonwealth? For me, the answer is yes. What's the point of hanging onto something from our past? It is a reminder of a time when Britain ruled and exploited many lands. Yes, there were some good things about the empire but by and large, like many empires, it was a relationship of master and servant.

Many Republicans who are calling for the abolishing of the monarch would also agree with abolishing the commonwealth also. Those who voted to leave the European Union thought Britain would rule the waves again. Unfortunately, those days are long gone and many who voted to leave the EU (to make Britain great again) are now regretting that decision. The UK has made trade deals outside of the EU but will they take the place of the EU as a trading partner? Whether you like it or not the European Union was our biggest tradest partner.

Since leaving the EU Brexit has not turned out to be the glory we thought it was. It's early days and maybe the UK will be okay but time will ultimately tell. Admittedly, the EU was not and is not perfect.

The UK is a changing place in many ways. This has influenced the view of many that we no longer need a monarch. It may feed into the belief that we no longer need the commonwealth either.