The World Ahead Globe Icon
The World Ahead | Britain in 2024

Which Commonwealth realms might ditch King Charles III?

A new wave of republicanism is gathering

The imperial state crown being crossed out
Illustration: Nate Kitch

By Catherine Nixey

Can you name the King of Tuvalu? Or of Papua New Guinea? Or Belize? Probably not. How about the King of Canada? That one’s easier. It’s also a clue. For they are all King Charles III. Never a man short of titles (he has also, at various times, been the “Great Steward of Scotland” and the Tolkienish “Lord of the Isles”, and is currently “Defender of the Faith”), Charles III is the head of 15 realms including Australia, the Bahamas and Grenada. A third of the world’s monarchies have him as their king. For now, at least.

Explore more

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition of The World Ahead 2024 under the headline “Throne out?”

More from The World Ahead

Illustration for the world ahead 2025 cover, a circle made up of squares featuring all the themes of the issue

The World Ahead The World Ahead

The World Ahead 2025

Future-gazing analysis, predictions and speculation

Illustration for the world ahead 2025 cover, a circle made up of squares featuring all the themes of the issue

The World Ahead The World Ahead

The World Ahead 2025

Future-gazing analysis, predictions and speculation


Illustration for the world ahead 2025 cover, a circle made up of squares featuring all the themes of the issue

The World Ahead The World Ahead

The World Ahead 2025

Future-gazing analysis, predictions and speculation


The World Ahead The World Ahead

The World Ahead 2025

Future-gazing analysis, predictions and speculation

The World Ahead The World Ahead 2025

Ten business trends for 2025, and forecasts for 15 industries

A global round-up from The Economist Intelligence Unit

The World Ahead The year ahead

Calendar 2025

Our selection of events taking place around the world