End of an era

Source: The post is based on an article “End of an era” published in The Hindu on 10^th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Issues

News: The article discusses the concern associated with the demise of longest serving monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

The time period of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest serving monarch who reigned for over 70 years.

Her tenure started as a head of the state after the First World War.

Her era saw the changing political power from the British Empire to the Commonwealth and the emergence of post-colonial nations.

The cold war came to an end during her period.

What are the implications of the demise of the Queen?

It raises the question of monarchy.

British monarch is currently the head of the state of U.K., Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and many others. Few countries are looking to end this monarchy.

For example, Barbados became the 18th country to remove the British monarch from the role of head of state in 2021.

Australia is also seeing the movement for making the country republic.

Six Caribbean countries have also hinted towards removing the British monarchy.

However, the position of the Commonwealth group of 56 nations remained unchanged even though there has been an increase in movements to detach from British monarchy. But it was also due to the influence of Queen Elizabeth II. Therefore, prospects of grouping might get affected.