Palace says it would accept Commonwealth realms choosing to become republics
A senior palace aide said the royal family is willing to step aside as head of state if any Commonwealth realm no longer wants a monarch, after King Charles' recent Caribbean tour.
Buckingham Palace indicated that it would accept any Commonwealth realm deciding to remove King Charles as head of state. A senior aide told The Times that the royal family is "fully open" to such a change and would have "absolutely no difficulty" with it, adding that the family serves only while it is wanted.
The comments follow the king’s nine-day Caribbean tour, during which he addressed the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade but stopped short of offering a formal apology. The aide noted that former realms, such as Barbados in 2021, have already become republics and that each country’s decision is a matter of its own choosing.
The palace also refuted claims that it was surprised by the prime minister’s willingness to apologise for Britain’s role in the slave trade, stating that the palace had been briefed on the prime minister’s proposed op-ed.
Describing the tour as "complex" and "challenging," the aide said it was ultimately "very successful" and highlighted the king’s engagement in diplomatic efforts. The spokesperson added that the palace must carefully balance government policy with the monarch’s constitutional role.
Buckingham Palace was contacted for comment but did not respond.