In succeeding his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III not only takes over the leadership of the United Kingdom, but also that of the Commonwealth. This organization is composed mainly of former British colonies. Their government heads organize a meeting once every two years – the last one in June 2022 – and sports event the Commonwealth Games every four years.
The 56 member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, formally constituted in 1949, have no obligations toward each other, but all adhere to the Commonwealth Charter, which lays out a series of "core beliefs" – such as democracy, human rights, non-discrimination, freedom of expression and separation of powers. The charter recognizes in black and white the needs of "small" and "vulnerable" states, which should be helped in their development and supported in times of danger.
How does the organization weigh up demographically?
With nearly 2.5 billion inhabitants, the Commonwealth represents one-third of humanity – with most of it concentrated in the Indian subcontinent: India (1.35 billion), Bangladesh (165 million) and Pakistan (229 million).
The 21 African members form the largest contingent of countries, but occupy the second place in terms of population: the 19 republics and two monarchies account for 516 million people.
Finally, in Europe, apart from the United Kingdom, only two countries, both members of the European Union, are also members of the Commonwealth: Malta and Cyprus.
How to join?
The criteria for joining the Commonwealth are clearly stated:
- accept the principles set forth in the charter;
- be a sovereign state;
- recognize King Charles III as the head of the Commonwealth;
- accept English as the language of the Commonwealth;
- respect the wishes of the people when it comes to joining;
- have a historical connection to a state that is already a member.
Some countries could be eligible for membership if they wished, as they have been protectorates or colonies of the Crown: Egypt, Iraq, Ireland, Jordan, Israel, Yemen and even the United States, among others.
It is also possible to leave the Commonwealth, and in a more hassle-free manner than was seen in the Brexit process. This was done, for example, by Ireland and Newfoundland in 1949 and by the Maldives in 2016 – although they returned in February 2020. Zimbabwe was suspended from ministerial meetings in 2002 because of Robert Mugabe's contested election the same year, and in 2003, the country permanently left the organization.
In June 2022, Togo and Gabon, two French-speaking countries, joined the Commonwealth, in order to gain closer ties to the English-speaking world and the United Kingdom.
Who runs the Commonwealth?
This organization of "free and equal" partner states – most of them former colonies – has the British sovereign as its designated head (Charles III, since the death of Elizabeth II). He is also the head of state of 16 parliamentary monarchies, first and foremost the United Kingdom, but also Canada, Australia, New Zealand and "small" nations such as the island monarchies of St. Lucia, Jamaica, Grenada and the Bahamas. However, this title doesn't give him any real power.
Five member countries are monarchies whose ruler is "local": the Kingdom of Tonga, the Sultanate of Brunei, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malaysia. Finally, 35 are republics, mostly located on the African continent.
Any international advantages?
Since the citizens of these 56 countries do not consider each other foreigners diplomatically, the member states send out "high commissioners" instead of ambassadors. They are tasked with representing the government, not the head of state. If a Commonwealth citizen is in a country where they do not have a diplomatic presence, they can apply for British consular assistance, if there is one.
Additionally, it is thanks to the Commonwealth that Australian, New Zealand and Canadian citizens can apply for a "working holiday visa," which allows people aged between 18 and 30 to work in the United Kingdom. Only citizens of the countries mentioned above are eligible for this special visa, as the agreement requires reciprocity.