Headline: Antigua and Barbuda Drops Oath of Allegiance to King Charles Shortly Before Visit

Date: 30 August 2026

Tags: Royal Family, Caribbean, Commonwealth, Politics

Summary:

• Antigua and Barbuda has removed the requirement for newly appointed officials to swear allegiance to King Charles III.

• Officials will instead pledge allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda, its constitution and legal framework.

• The legislative change was enacted in May following Gaston Browne’s re-election as prime minister.

• Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin described ending the royal oath as a long-overdue reform.

• Antigua and Barbuda became independent from Britain in 1981 but retains the King as head of state.

• Browne has previously supported transforming the country into a republic with its own head of state.

• No referendum on replacing the monarchy has yet been held.

• King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda during an October-November Caribbean tour.

• The visit comes amid wider Caribbean discussions over republicanism and reparations for slavery.

• Grenada similarly removed its oath of allegiance to the King in 2025.

Why this matters: The change reflects growing debate among Caribbean Commonwealth realms about replacing the British monarch as head of state.

What’s next: King Charles will visit Antigua and Barbuda during his Caribbean tour, scheduled from 27 October to 4 November.