Despite their flags featuring the Union Jack and their continued ties to the British monarchy, Canada and Australia are often misunderstood as being “under” the United Kingdom. This misconception stems from their colonial past, but in reality, both are fully independent sovereign nations.
A Shared Colonial History
Both Canada and Australia were once integral parts of the British Empire. Britain colonized Canada in the 18th century and Australia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. For many decades, their laws, governance, and foreign affairs were controlled directly from London.
As time passed, both countries moved toward self-government:
- Canada became a Dominion in 1867 through the British North America Act, gaining internal self-rule while foreign affairs remained under British control.
- Australia became a Commonwealth in 1901 through the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act.
Despite these early forms of autonomy, Britain retained considerable influence over both nations well into the 20th century.
Legal Independence from the UK
The real shift to full sovereignty came with legal reforms in the 20th century:
- The Statute of Westminster (1931) was a turning point. It granted Canada, Australia, and other Dominions full legislative independence from the UK Parliament. This meant they could pass their own laws without needing approval from Britain.
- In Canada, full constitutional independence was achieved through the Canada Act (1982), which ended the UK Parliament’s power to legislate for Canada and introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
- In Australia, the Australia Act (1986) severed the remaining legal ties with the UK, ending appeals to the British Privy Council and removing UK influence in Australian state law.
Today, both countries have their own:
- Constitutions
- Parliaments and prime ministers
- Legal systems
- Citizenship laws
- Foreign policies
They are entirely self-governing and operate independently from the UK.
The Role of the British Monarch Today
Here’s where things get a little more symbolic — and often misunderstood.
Yes, King Charles III is still the head of state in both Canada and Australia. But this does not mean he governs or controls either country.
Instead, he holds a ceremonial and symbolic role as:
- King of Canada
- King of Australia
This role is distinct from his title as King of the United Kingdom.
Each country has its own Governor-General, appointed on the advice of its Prime Minister, to represent the King. However:
- The Governor-General only acts on the advice of elected officials.
- The monarch has no political power or decision-making role.
- The day-to-day running of each country is handled entirely by its own government.
Is the UK King “In Charge”?
Absolutely not. The idea that the UK monarch is “in charge” of Canada or Australia is a common myth — but it’s not how constitutional monarchy works in these countries.
Let’s break it down clearly:
- The King does not appoint prime ministers, pass laws, or intervene in policy.
- He does not represent the UK government in Canada or Australia.
- His role is entirely ceremonial, symbolizing national unity, continuity, and tradition.
So while Canadians and Australians may see the King’s image on their coins or hear references to the “Crown,” the actual power rests with their own elected parliaments.
Could They Remove the King?
Yes — and that’s important.
Both countries have the constitutional right to remove the monarchy and become republics, should they choose to. In fact:
- Australia held a referendum in 1999 on becoming a republic. Although it failed (55% voted to retain the monarchy), public debate continues.
- In Canada, ending the monarchy would require a constitutional amendment approved by the federal Parliament and all ten provinces — a complex process, but legally possible.
This means that both countries maintain the monarchy by choice, not by force or colonial obligation.
Final Word: A Legacy of History, Not Control
Canada and Australia are not under British rule. They are independent, self-governing nations that voluntarily retain the British monarch as a ceremonial figurehead.
Their connection to the monarchy is rooted in tradition, not governance.
In short: The UK King is not in charge of Canada or Australia.
He plays no active role in lawmaking or leadership.
And both countries are free to shape their own futures — monarch or not.
