Antigua and Barbuda has amended its oath of allegiance for government officials, replacing the traditional pledge of loyalty to the British monarch with an oath to the nation’s laws and constitution. The change means that representatives and civil servants will no longer swear allegiance to King Charles III or his heirs.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who secured re-election earlier this year, has previously expressed support for the Caribbean country becoming a republic. He described this shift as a “natural progression” from the nation’s independence. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin emphasized the significance of the change, stating, “We will once and for all finally not be swearing to His Majesty in England, his heirs and successors.”
The announcement comes ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s planned visit to Antigua and Barbuda this autumn to attend the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The summit will address a range of issues affecting member states, including debates on reparations related to the transatlantic slave trade and discussions about the constitutional future of Caribbean nations that have chosen to remove the British monarch as their head of state while remaining part of the Commonwealth.
Antigua and Barbuda's decision marks a notable step in a broader regional conversation about the legacy of colonial ties and the evolving relationship between former British colonies and the monarchy. While the country has maintained its status as a constitutional monarchy since achieving independence in 1981, the move to revise the oath signals a possible shift toward republicanism without immediate constitutional change.
The planned visit of the British monarch highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United Kingdom and Commonwealth members, even as some nations pursue greater political autonomy. The outcomes of the CHOGM discussions may influence future constitutional reforms in Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean states considering similar measures.