Monarchy of Tuvalu
Encyclopedia
The monarchy of Tuvalu (the Tuvaluan monarchy) is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign of Tuvalu. The present monarch
of Tuvalu
is Queen Elizabeth II
. Tuvalu shares the sovereign with 15 other Commonwealth realms. The Queen's constitutional roles are mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Tuvalu
.
Royal succession is governed by the English
Act of Settlement
of 1701, which is part of constitutional law.
In the first years of the 21st century the issue of abolishing the monarchy was raised by local politicians, but a constitutional referendum
held on 30 April 2008 turned out 1,260 to 679 votes in favour of retaining the monarchy.
Fifty-four states are members of the Commonwealth of Nations
. Sixteen of these countries are specifically Commonwealth realm
s who recognise, individually, the same person as their Monarch and Head of State
; Tuvalu is one of these. Despite sharing the same person as their respective national monarch, each of the Commonwealth realms—including Tuvalu—is sovereign and independent of the others.
Tuvalu achieved independence in 1978 but retained the Queen as Head of State. Under the Statute of Westminster, Tuvalu has a common monarchy with Britain and the other Commonwealth realm
s, and though laws governing the line of succession to the Tuvaluan throne lie within the control of the Tuvaluan Parliament, Tuvalu cannot change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship by means of a constitutional amendment. This situation applies symmetrically in all the other realms, including the UK.
On all matters of the Tuvaluan State, the Monarch is advised solely by Tuvaluan ministers
. 16 June remains a public holiday as the Queen's Official Birthday.
The Queen of Tuvalu and the Duke of Edinburgh
have only paid one visit to Tuvalu on 26-27 October 1982. The royal couple were carried around in ceremonial litters and later served with traditional local dishes on a banquet. A sheet of commemorative stamps were issued for the royal visit.
Former Prime Minister Sir Kamuta Latasi
was knighted by the Queen in 2008 although he is noted for his republican leanings in Tuvaluan politics.
.
This style communicates Tuvalu's status as an independent monarchy, highlighting the Monarch's role specifically as Queen of Tuvalu, as well as the shared aspect of the Crown throughout the realms. Typically, the Sovereign is styled "Queen of Tuvalu," and is addressed as such when in Tuvalu, or performing duties on behalf of Tuvalu abroad.
All powers of state are constitutionally reposed in the Monarch, who is represented by the Governor General of Tuvalu — appointed by the Monarch upon the advice of the Prime Minister of Tuvalu
the Monarch is informed of the Prime Minister's decision before the Governor General gives Royal Assent
.
, made up of Ministers of the Crown
. It has been said since the death of Queen Anne
in 1714, the last monarch to head the British cabinet, that the monarch "reigns" but does not "rule". In exceptional circumstances, however, the Monarch or vice-regal can act against such advice based upon his or her reserve power
s.
There are also a few duties which must be specifically performed by, or bills that require assent by the Queen
. These include: signing the appointment papers of Governors General, the confirmation of awards of honours, and approving any change in her title.
It is also possible that if the Governor General decided to go against the Prime Minister's or the government's advice, the Prime Minister could appeal directly to the Monarch, or even recommend that the Monarch dismiss the Governor General.
Succession to the throne is by male-preference primogeniture
, and governed by the provisions of the Act of Settlement
, as well as the English Bill of Rights. These documents, though originally passed by the Parliament of England
, are now part of the Tuvaluan constitutional law, under control of the Tuvaluan parliament only.
This legislation lays out the rules that the Monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic, nor married to one, and must be in communion with the Church of England
upon ascending the throne. As Tuvalu's laws governing succession are currently identical to those of the United Kingdom (by the Statute of Westminster) see Succession to the British Throne
for more information.
The heir apparent
is Elizabeth II's eldest son, Charles
, who has no official title outside of the UK, but is accorded his UK title, Prince of Wales
, as a courtesy title
.
; it and proclamation are required for all acts of Parliament, usually granted or withheld by the Governor General. The Vice-Regals may reserve a bill for the Monarch's pleasure, that is to say, allow the Monarch to make a personal decision on the bill. The Monarch has the power to disallow a bill (within a time limit specified by the constitution).
The Sovereign is deemed the "fount of justice," and is responsible for rendering justice for all subjects. The Sovereign does not personally rule in judicial cases; instead, judicial functions are performed in his or her name. The common law holds that the Sovereign "can do no wrong"
; the monarch cannot be prosecuted in his or her own courts for criminal offences. Civil lawsuits against the Crown
in its public capacity (that is, lawsuits against the government) are permitted; however, lawsuits against the Monarch personally are not cognizable. The Sovereign, and by extension the Governor General, also exercises the "prerogative of mercy
," and may pardon offences against the Crown. Pardons may be awarded before, during, or after a trial.
In Tuvalu the legal personality
of the State
is referred to as "Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Tuvalu." For example, if a lawsuit is filed against the government, the respondent is formally described as Her Majesty the Queen in Right Tuvalu. The monarch as an individual takes no more role in such an affair than in any other business of government.
Saufatu Sopoanga
had stated in 2004 that he was in favour of replacing the Queen as Tuvalu's head of state, a view supported by popular former Prime Minister Ionatana Ionatana
; Sopoanga also stated that public opinion would be evaluated first before taking any further moves. Former Prime Minister Kamuta Latasi
also supported the idea.
A referendum was held in Tuvalu in 2008, giving voters the option of retaining the monarchy, or abolishing it in favour of a republic. The monarchy was retained with 1,260 votes to 679 (64.98%). Turnout was low, with about 2000 voters of a potential 9000 taking part.
Monarch
A monarch is the person who heads a monarchy. This is a form of government in which a state or polity is ruled or controlled by an individual who typically inherits the throne by birth and occasionally rules for life or until abdication...
of Tuvalu
Tuvalu
Tuvalu , formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls...
is Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
. Tuvalu shares the sovereign with 15 other Commonwealth realms. The Queen's constitutional roles are mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Tuvalu
Governor-General of Tuvalu
The Governor-General of Tuvalu is the representative of Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Tuvalu, the nation's Head of State, and performs the duties of the Queen in her absence.-History:...
.
Royal succession is governed by the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
Act of Settlement
Act of Settlement 1701
The Act of Settlement is an act of the Parliament of England that was passed in 1701 to settle the succession to the English throne on the Electress Sophia of Hanover and her Protestant heirs. The act was later extended to Scotland, as a result of the Treaty of Union , enacted in the Acts of Union...
of 1701, which is part of constitutional law.
In the first years of the 21st century the issue of abolishing the monarchy was raised by local politicians, but a constitutional referendum
Tuvaluan constitutional referendum, 2008
A constitutional referendum was held in Tuvalu on 30 April 2008. Voters were asked whether to retain the parliamentary monarchy of Tuvalu, or abolish it in favour of a republic....
held on 30 April 2008 turned out 1,260 to 679 votes in favour of retaining the monarchy.
International and domestic role
One of the most complicated features of the Tuvaluan monarchy is that it is a shared monarchy.Fifty-four states are members of the Commonwealth of Nations
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
. Sixteen of these countries are specifically Commonwealth realm
Commonwealth Realm
A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations that has Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state. The sixteen current realms have a combined land area of 18.8 million km² , and a population of 134 million, of which all, except about two million, live in the six...
s who recognise, individually, the same person as their Monarch and Head of State
Head of State
A head of state is the individual that serves as the chief public representative of a monarchy, republic, federation, commonwealth or other kind of state. His or her role generally includes legitimizing the state and exercising the political powers, functions, and duties granted to the head of...
; Tuvalu is one of these. Despite sharing the same person as their respective national monarch, each of the Commonwealth realms—including Tuvalu—is sovereign and independent of the others.
Development of shared monarchy
The Balfour Declaration of 1926 provided the dominions the right to be considered equal to Britain, rather than subordinate; an agreement that had the result of, in theory, a shared Crown that operates independently in each realm rather than a unitary British Crown under which all the dominions were secondary. The Monarchy thus ceased to be an exclusively British institution, although it has often been called "British" since this time (in both legal and common language) for reasons historical, legal, and of convenience. The Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act, 1927 was the first indication of this shift in law, further elaborated in the Statute of Westminster, 1931.Tuvalu achieved independence in 1978 but retained the Queen as Head of State. Under the Statute of Westminster, Tuvalu has a common monarchy with Britain and the other Commonwealth realm
Commonwealth Realm
A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations that has Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state. The sixteen current realms have a combined land area of 18.8 million km² , and a population of 134 million, of which all, except about two million, live in the six...
s, and though laws governing the line of succession to the Tuvaluan throne lie within the control of the Tuvaluan Parliament, Tuvalu cannot change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship by means of a constitutional amendment. This situation applies symmetrically in all the other realms, including the UK.
On all matters of the Tuvaluan State, the Monarch is advised solely by Tuvaluan ministers
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
. 16 June remains a public holiday as the Queen's Official Birthday.
The Queen of Tuvalu and the Duke of Edinburgh
Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh is a British royal title, named after the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, which has been conferred upon members of the British royal family only four times times since its creation in 1726...
have only paid one visit to Tuvalu on 26-27 October 1982. The royal couple were carried around in ceremonial litters and later served with traditional local dishes on a banquet. A sheet of commemorative stamps were issued for the royal visit.
Former Prime Minister Sir Kamuta Latasi
Kamuta Latasi
Rt Hon Sir Kamuta Latasi KCMG, OBE, MP, PC is a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Latasi served as the 4th Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 1993 until 1996. He has served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu from 2006 to 2010....
was knighted by the Queen in 2008 although he is noted for his republican leanings in Tuvaluan politics.
Title
In Tuvalu, the Queen's official title is: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Tuvalu and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the CommonwealthHead of the Commonwealth
The Head of the Commonwealth heads the Commonwealth of Nations, an intergovernmental organisation which currently comprises 54 sovereign states. The position is currently occupied by the individual who serves as monarch of each of the Commonwealth realms, but has no day-to-day involvement in the...
.
This style communicates Tuvalu's status as an independent monarchy, highlighting the Monarch's role specifically as Queen of Tuvalu, as well as the shared aspect of the Crown throughout the realms. Typically, the Sovereign is styled "Queen of Tuvalu," and is addressed as such when in Tuvalu, or performing duties on behalf of Tuvalu abroad.
Constitutional role
The Tuvaluan constitution is made up of a variety of statutes and conventions that are either British or Tuvaluan origin, which gives Tuvalu a similar parliamentary system of government as the other Commonwealth realms.All powers of state are constitutionally reposed in the Monarch, who is represented by the Governor General of Tuvalu — appointed by the Monarch upon the advice of the Prime Minister of Tuvalu
Prime Minister of Tuvalu
The Prime Minister of Tuvalu is the head of government of Tuvalu. According to Tuvalu's constitution, the Prime Minister must always be a member of Parliament, and is elected by Parliament in a secret ballot. Because there are no political parties in Tuvalu, any member of Parliament can be...
the Monarch is informed of the Prime Minister's decision before the Governor General gives Royal Assent
Royal Assent
The granting of royal assent refers to the method by which any constitutional monarch formally approves and promulgates an act of his or her nation's parliament, thus making it a law...
.
Duties
Most of the Queen's domestic duties are performed by the Governor General. The Governor-General represents the Queen on ceremonial occasions such as the opening of Parliament, the presentation of honours and military parades. Under the Constitution, he is given authority to act in some matters, for example in appointing and disciplining officers of the civil service, in proroguing Parliament. As in the other Commonwealth realms, however, the Monarch's role, and thereby the vice-regent's role, is almost entirely symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments operate, and the powers that are constitutionally hers are exercised almost wholly upon the advice of the CabinetCabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
, made up of Ministers of the Crown
Minister of the Crown
Minister of the Crown is the formal constitutional term used in the Commonwealth realms to describe a minister to the reigning sovereign. The term indicates that the minister serves at His/Her Majesty's pleasure, and advises the monarch, or viceroy, on how to exercise the Crown prerogatives...
. It has been said since the death of Queen Anne
Anne of Great Britain
Anne ascended the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland on 8 March 1702. On 1 May 1707, under the Act of Union, two of her realms, England and Scotland, were united as a single sovereign state, the Kingdom of Great Britain.Anne's Catholic father, James II and VII, was deposed during the...
in 1714, the last monarch to head the British cabinet, that the monarch "reigns" but does not "rule". In exceptional circumstances, however, the Monarch or vice-regal can act against such advice based upon his or her reserve power
Reserve power
In a parliamentary or semi-presidential system of government, a reserve power is a power that may be exercised by the head of state without the approval of another branch of the government. Unlike a presidential system of government, the head of state is generally constrained by the cabinet or the...
s.
There are also a few duties which must be specifically performed by, or bills that require assent by the Queen
Queen regnant
A queen regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right, in contrast to a queen consort, who is the wife of a reigning king. An empress regnant is a female monarch who reigns in her own right over an empire....
. These include: signing the appointment papers of Governors General, the confirmation of awards of honours, and approving any change in her title.
It is also possible that if the Governor General decided to go against the Prime Minister's or the government's advice, the Prime Minister could appeal directly to the Monarch, or even recommend that the Monarch dismiss the Governor General.
Succession
Primogeniture
Primogeniture is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn to inherit the entire estate, to the exclusion of younger siblings . Historically, the term implied male primogeniture, to the exclusion of females...
, and governed by the provisions of the Act of Settlement
Act of Settlement 1701
The Act of Settlement is an act of the Parliament of England that was passed in 1701 to settle the succession to the English throne on the Electress Sophia of Hanover and her Protestant heirs. The act was later extended to Scotland, as a result of the Treaty of Union , enacted in the Acts of Union...
, as well as the English Bill of Rights. These documents, though originally passed by the Parliament of England
Parliament of England
The Parliament of England was the legislature of the Kingdom of England. In 1066, William of Normandy introduced a feudal system, by which he sought the advice of a council of tenants-in-chief and ecclesiastics before making laws...
, are now part of the Tuvaluan constitutional law, under control of the Tuvaluan parliament only.
This legislation lays out the rules that the Monarch cannot be a Roman Catholic, nor married to one, and must be in communion with the Church of England
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
upon ascending the throne. As Tuvalu's laws governing succession are currently identical to those of the United Kingdom (by the Statute of Westminster) see Succession to the British Throne
Succession to the British Throne
Succession to the British throne is governed both by common law and statute. Under common law the crown is currently passed on by male-preference primogeniture. In other words, succession passes first to an individual's sons, in order of birth, and subsequently to daughters, again in order of birth....
for more information.
The heir apparent
Heir apparent
An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
is Elizabeth II's eldest son, Charles
Charles, Prince of Wales
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...
, who has no official title outside of the UK, but is accorded his UK title, Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales is a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the 15 other independent Commonwealth realms...
, as a courtesy title
Courtesy title
A courtesy title is a form of address in systems of nobility used for children, former wives and other close relatives of a peer. These styles are used 'by courtesy' in the sense that the relatives do not themselves hold substantive titles...
.
Legal role
All laws in Tuvalu are enacted with the sovereign's, or the vice-regal's signature. The granting of a signature to a bill is known as Royal AssentRoyal Assent
The granting of royal assent refers to the method by which any constitutional monarch formally approves and promulgates an act of his or her nation's parliament, thus making it a law...
; it and proclamation are required for all acts of Parliament, usually granted or withheld by the Governor General. The Vice-Regals may reserve a bill for the Monarch's pleasure, that is to say, allow the Monarch to make a personal decision on the bill. The Monarch has the power to disallow a bill (within a time limit specified by the constitution).
The Sovereign is deemed the "fount of justice," and is responsible for rendering justice for all subjects. The Sovereign does not personally rule in judicial cases; instead, judicial functions are performed in his or her name. The common law holds that the Sovereign "can do no wrong"
Sovereign immunity
Sovereign immunity, or crown immunity, is a legal doctrine by which the sovereign or state cannot commit a legal wrong and is immune from civil suit or criminal prosecution....
; the monarch cannot be prosecuted in his or her own courts for criminal offences. Civil lawsuits against the Crown
The Crown
The Crown is a corporation sole that in the Commonwealth realms and any provincial or state sub-divisions thereof represents the legal embodiment of governance, whether executive, legislative, or judicial...
in its public capacity (that is, lawsuits against the government) are permitted; however, lawsuits against the Monarch personally are not cognizable. The Sovereign, and by extension the Governor General, also exercises the "prerogative of mercy
Prerogative of Mercy
In the British tradition the Prerogative of Mercy is one of the historic Royal Prerogatives of the British monarch in which he or she can grant pardons to convicted persons...
," and may pardon offences against the Crown. Pardons may be awarded before, during, or after a trial.
In Tuvalu the legal personality
Legal personality
Legal personality is the characteristic of a non-human entity regarded by law to have the status of a person....
of the State
Sovereign state
A sovereign state, or simply, state, is a state with a defined territory on which it exercises internal and external sovereignty, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states. It is also normally understood to be a state which is neither...
is referred to as "Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Tuvalu." For example, if a lawsuit is filed against the government, the respondent is formally described as Her Majesty the Queen in Right Tuvalu. The monarch as an individual takes no more role in such an affair than in any other business of government.
Referendum of 2008
In the first years of the 21st century there was a debate about the abolition of the monarchy. Prime MinisterPrime Minister of Tuvalu
The Prime Minister of Tuvalu is the head of government of Tuvalu. According to Tuvalu's constitution, the Prime Minister must always be a member of Parliament, and is elected by Parliament in a secret ballot. Because there are no political parties in Tuvalu, any member of Parliament can be...
Saufatu Sopoanga
Saufatu Sopoanga
The Rt Hon Saufatu Sopoanga is a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Sopoanga was the eighth Prime Minister and a foreign minister of Tuvalu.-Background:...
had stated in 2004 that he was in favour of replacing the Queen as Tuvalu's head of state, a view supported by popular former Prime Minister Ionatana Ionatana
Ionatana Ionatana
Ionatana Ionatana, CVO, OBE , was a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. He was the fifth Prime Minister of Tuvalu from April 27, 1999, to December 8, 2000.-Background:...
; Sopoanga also stated that public opinion would be evaluated first before taking any further moves. Former Prime Minister Kamuta Latasi
Kamuta Latasi
Rt Hon Sir Kamuta Latasi KCMG, OBE, MP, PC is a political figure from the Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Latasi served as the 4th Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 1993 until 1996. He has served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu from 2006 to 2010....
also supported the idea.
A referendum was held in Tuvalu in 2008, giving voters the option of retaining the monarchy, or abolishing it in favour of a republic. The monarchy was retained with 1,260 votes to 679 (64.98%). Turnout was low, with about 2000 voters of a potential 9000 taking part.