21. Unlike some past British monarchs, the current ruler is not hired to rule at all. 22. Queen Elizabeth II will visit South Korea in April, becoming the first British monarch to visit the East Asian country. 23. A former British colony, Australia retains the British monarch as its constitutional head of State. 24. A short spell in military service is traditional for the sons of British monarchs. 25. After a divisive national debate, Australians last November defeated a referendum on whether they wanted to get rid of the British monarch and instead establish a republic. 26. Although an independent nation, as a collection of former British colonies Australia still retains the British monarch as its head of state. 27. Although an independent nation, like many former British colonies Australia retains the British monarch as head of state. 28. As a compromise, they issued the London Declaration, which removed the British monarch from the role of sovereign of every Commonwealth country. 29. As head of state, the British monarch does have some powers but serves a largely symbolic function. 30. Australia is an independent nation, but like other former British colonies such as New Zealand and Canada, retains the British monarch as head of state. |