Antigua and Barbuda, a Commonwealth country and former colony of the British Empire, will hold a referendum on becoming a republic and removing King Charles III as head of state within three years, its prime minister said.
Gaston Browne told the UK’s ITV News on Saturday that “this is an issue that must be taken to a referendum for the people to decide”.
This was Browne’s first interview since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
Browne said it “does not represent any form of disrespect to the monarch. This is not an act of hostility, or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy.”
He added that this “is a final step towards completing the circle of independence and becoming a truly sovereign nation.”
The Caribbean country is one of 14 states to retain the British monarch as head of state. Browne signed a document confirming Charles’ status as the new king for the time being.
Source: CNN Brasil
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