King George VI was the political association’s first head, and Elizabeth II took over in 1952 after her ascension to the throne.īased on free and voluntary cooperation, the 54-member organisation represents about a quarter of the world’s population, with the vast majority being former British colonies. With roots in the British empire, the Commonwealth in its modern-day form came about in 1949 with the London Declaration establishing a precedent of member states being “free and equal”. Membership was not contingent on recognising the British monarch as the head of state.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |