View source for Monarchy of Papua New Guinea

{{short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox monarchy
| royal_title        = King
| realm              = Papua New Guinea
| coatofarms         = National emblem of Papua New Guinea.svg
| coatofarms_article = Emblem of Papua New Guinea
| image              = King Charles III (July 2023).jpg
| incumbent          = [[Charles III]]
| incumbentsince     = 8 September 2022
| his/her            = His
| heir_apparent      = [[William, Prince of Wales]]
| first_monarch      = [[Elizabeth II]]
| date               = 16 September 1975
}}
{{Politics of Papua New Guinea}}

The '''monarchy of Papua New Guinea''' is a system of government in which a hereditary [[monarch]] is the sovereign and [[head of state]] of [[Papua New Guinea]]. The current Papua New Guinean monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is [[King Charles III]]. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Papua New Guinean Crown. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with [[Commonwealth realm|14 other independent countries]] within the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled ''King of Papua New Guinea'' and, in this capacity, he and other members of the royal family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Papua New Guinea. However, the King is the only member of the royal family with any constitutional role.

All [[executive (government)|executive]] [[authority]] is vested in the monarch, and [[Royal sign-manual|royal approval]] is required for [[letters patent]] and [[Order in Council|Orders in Council]] to have legal effect. But the authority for these acts stems from the country's populace, in which sovereignty is vested, and the monarch's direct participation in any of these areas of governance is limited. Most of the powers are exercised by the elected members of parliament, the ministers of the Crown generally drawn from amongst them, and the judges and justices of the peace. Other powers vested in the Crown, such as dismissal of a prime minister, are significant but are treated only as [[reserve power]]s and as an important security part of the role of the monarchy.

The Crown today primarily functions as a guarantor of continuous and stable governance and a nonpartisan safeguard against the abuse of power. While some powers are exercisable only by the sovereign, most of the monarch's operational and ceremonial duties are exercised by his representative, the [[Governor-General of Papua New Guinea|governor-general of Papua New Guinea]].

==History==
[[File:1 shilling Guinea thuộc Úc 1935.png|thumb|A New Guinean one-shilling coin, 1935]]

The first European attempt at colonisation was made in 1793 by Lieutenant John Hayes, a British naval officer, near Manokwari, now in Papua province, Indonesia. It was the Dutch, however, who claimed the western half of the island as part of the [[Dutch East Indies]] in 1828; their control remained nominal until 1898, when their first permanent administrative posts were set up at Fakfak and Manokwari.<ref name=brit>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Papua-New-Guinea|title=Papua New Guinea|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=15 April 2023}}</ref>

In 1884, Germany formally took possession of the northeast quarter of the island and it became known as [[German New Guinea]].<ref name="state1">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2797.htm |title=Papua New Guinea |publisher=State.gov |date=2011-08-10 |access-date=2012-03-04}}</ref> In 1884, a British protectorate was proclaimed over Papua – the southern coast of New Guinea. The protectorate, called [[British New Guinea]], was annexed outright on 4 September 1888 and possession passed to the newly federated [[Commonwealth of Australia]] in 1902 and British New Guinea became the Australian [[Territory of Papua]], with Australian administration beginning in 1906.<ref name="state1"/> During the [[First World War]], Australian forces displaced the German authorities on New Guinea, and the arrangement was formalized in 1921, when Australian control of the northeastern quadrant of the island was mandated by the [[League of Nations]].<ref name=brit/>

[[File:Papua Coronation stamps 1937.jpg|thumb|King [[George VI]]'s [[Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth|Coronation]] stamps issued in Papua, 1937]]

In 1945, Australia combined its administration of Papua and that of the former mandate into the [[Territory of Papua and New Guinea]], which it administered from Canberra via Port Moresby. From 1946, Australia managed the New Guinea (eastern) half as a [[United Nations trust territory]]. General elections for a House of Assembly were held in 1964, 1968, and 1972; self-government was achieved on 1 December 1973, and full independence from Australia on 16 September 1975.<ref name=brit/>

===Road to independent monarchy===
In February 1974, a year after self-government and discussions gathered momentum on the question for a date for independence, [[Queen Elizabeth II of Australia]] visited Papua New Guinea. In a speech before a crowd of 25,000 people, the Queen said, "The movement towards independence has been gaining speed in recent years and the decisive moment is not far off". She continued: "As Queen of Australia I can assure you of continuing friendship and assistance as you set out on the path of independent nationhood". [[Chief Minister of Papua and New Guinea|Chief Minister]] [[Michael Somare]] in his speech reaffirmed Papua New Guinea's desire and hope to join the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] upon independence.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/queen-gives-the-nod/|title=Queen Gives The Nod|work=Post Courier|access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|access-date=17 April 2022|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/70-years-of-monarchy-and-png/|work=Post Courier|title=70 Years Of Monarchy And PNG}}</ref> However, there was no indication of a continuing role for the Queen in independent Papua New Guinea when, in April 1975, it was decided that the head of state was to be a citizen of the country, who would be chosen by secret ballot.<ref>{{citation|page=238|title=A Papua New Guinea Political Chronicle, 1967-1991|isbn=9781863331241|year=1998|publisher=Crawford House|author=Mary Kooyman}}</ref>

On 5 May 1975, it was announced that Papua New Guinea would join the Commonwealth upon independence, with Somare aspiring to make the new nation a republic. However on 19 May, it was suddenly announced that the Cabinet would propose to the Constituent Assembly that the Queen become head of state. The Cabinet statement stated that continued ties with the Queen would give a "sense of security to a significant section of the community", as the early years of independence would be "years of adjustment and settling down", with the position to be reviewed after three years.<ref>{{citation|page=224|title=Papua New Guinea: A Political History|isbn=9780858591974|year=1979|publisher=Heinemann Educational Australia|author1=James Griffin |author2=Hank Nelson |author3=Stewart Firth}}</ref> Though the decision delighted some people in centres and villages, protests were lodged by university students and some opposition members. In the House of Assembly, Somare urged politicians not to shame the country by using the Queen as a political football. He said that the Queen's position as head of state would not undermine the country's sovereignty or independence, and the framework would help the country in its dealings with other members of the Commonwealth.<ref name=pngkwin/> The government also wished to retain all the traditional knighthoods and decorations.<ref name=hard/><ref name=david>{{citation|title=Surrogates for the Sovereign: Constitutional Heads of State in the Commonwealth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UuSuCwAAQBAJ|date=1991|first1=David|last1=Butler|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK|isbn=9781349115655|page=234}}</ref> Groups from various parts of the country voiced their support for Somare's decision.<ref name=pngkwin>{{citation|title=Papua New Guinea Newsletter|year=1975|publisher=Office of Information|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1z6r3wwmxmgC}}</ref>

On 15 August 1975, the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution, invited the Queen to become head of state and asked her to accept Parliament's nomination of [[John Guise (Papua New Guinean politician)|John Guise]] as [[governor-general of Papua New Guinea]].<ref>{{citation|title=Papua New Guinea: Initiation and Independence |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oEGkco69U5kC|date=2018|first1=Don|last1=Woolford|publisher=University of Queensland Press|isbn=9781921902192}}</ref> According to the Queen's then-[[Private Secretary to the Sovereign|private secretary]], [[Martin Charteris]], the Queen was "both tickled and touched" and she accepted the role straight away.<ref name=hard>{{citation|title=Queen of the World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5y9LDwAAQBAJ|date=2018|first1=Robert|last1=Hardman|publisher=Random House|isbn=9781473549647|page=233}}</ref> According to historian Robert Hardman, Papua New Guinea is the one part of the world where the Queen was "an elected monarch".<ref name=hard/> The Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea also states that the Queen had been requested by the people of Papua New Guinea, through their Constituent Assembly, to become their Queen and Head of State; and she "graciously consented" so to become.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 45">{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=45}}</ref>  Papua New Guinea was thus the first Commonwealth realm to have specifically requested that Queen Elizabeth II become its sovereign.{{refn|Michael Palmer, in his contribution to ''The Canadian Kingdom: 150 Years of Constitutional Monarchy'', stated, "Papua New Guinea is the only realm to have explicitly invited the Queen to become its sovereign."<ref>{{citation| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3glDwAAQBAJ| editor-last=Jackson| editor-first=D. Michael| last=Palmer| first=Sean| title=The Canadian Kingdom: 150 Years of Constitutional Monarchy| chapter=The Path to Nationalization: How the Realms Have Made the Monarchy Their Own| page=203| publisher=Dundurn| location=Toronto| year=2018| isbn=978-1-4597-4118-8| accessdate=30 April 2023}}</ref> However, the constitution of [[Tuvalu]], enacted after Papua New Guinea's, also asserts the people of Tuvalu requested that Elizabeth II be the country's sovereign.<ref>{{citation| url=https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/3899/95791/F656430737/TUV3899.pdf| title=The Constitution of Tuvalu| date=2008| publisher=International Labour Organization| accessdate=3 May 2023}}</ref> Additionally, former [[Governor-General of Solomon Islands]] [[Frank Kabui]] stated in an interview in 2022 that, "in 1975, the people of this country [Solomon Islands] decided to recommend to the then-Constitutional Committee that Her Majesty the Queen become the head of state."<ref>{{citation| url=https://www.solomonstarnews.com/the-queens-platinum-jubilee/| title=The Queen's Platinum Jubilee| date=12 July 2021| newspaper=Solomon Star| accessdate=3 May 2023}}</ref>|group=n|name=first}}

{{quote box| width=800px| border=1px| align=center|fontsize=88%|quote=Distinguished guests, visitors from overseas, people of Papua New Guinea: Papua New Guinea is now independent. The Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea under which all power rests with the people is now in effect. We have at this point in time broken with our colonial past and we now stand as an independent nation in our own right. Let us unite with the Almighty God's guidance and help in working together for the future as a strong and free country.<ref>{{citation|page=219|title=Taim Bilong Masta: The Australian Involvement with Papua New Guinea|isbn=9780733300691|year=1990|publisher=ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation|author=Hank Nelson}}</ref>|title=Proclamation of Independence by Governor-General [[John Guise (Papua New Guinean politician)|John Guise]] at 0001 hrs, 16 September 1975}}

At the independence celebrations in 1975, the Queen was represented by her son, [[Charles III|Charles, Prince of Wales]] (later Charles III). On the eve of independence, the Australian flag was lowered ceremonially for the last time and presented to Australian Governor-General Sir [[John Kerr (governor-general)|John Kerr]]. "We are lowering the flag – not tearing it down", said John Guise, the Governor-General designate of Papua New Guinea. At 12.01 am, on 16 September, Guise, in a broadcast to the nation, declared: "Papua New Guinea is now independent".<ref>{{cite web|date=15 September 2020 | title= From the Archives, 1975: Australia's flag lowered as PNG gains independence|url=https://www.theage.com.au/world/oceania/from-the-archives-1975-australia-s-flag-lowered-as-png-gains-independence-20200911-p55up7.html|work=The Age}}</ref> Later the same day, the Prince of Wales opened the first parliament in Port Moresby.<ref>{{cite web|title=Papua New Guinea: National Gazette|url=http://www.gpo.gov.pg/images/G1_-_1975.pdf|work=Government Printing Office|access-date=17 April 2023}}</ref>

==The Papua New Guinean Crown and its aspects==
{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=I know how honoured Her Majesty is to be your Queen, a title borne by her with immense pride and renewed by the people of this great country upon independence in 1975.<ref>{{cite web|title=A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales in Papua New Guinea|access-date=13 October 2021|date=5 November 2012|url=https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speech/speech-hrh-prince-wales-papua-new-guinea}}</ref>| salign=right| source=[[Charles, Prince of Wales]], 2012}}

Papua New Guinea is one of fifteen independent nations, known as Commonwealth realms, which shares its sovereign with other realms in the [[Commonwealth of Nations]], with the monarch's relationship with Papua New Guinea completely independent from his position as monarch of any other realm. Despite sharing the same person as their respective monarch, each of the Commonwealth realms &mdash; including Papua New Guinea &mdash; is sovereign and independent of the others. The monarch is represented by a [[viceroy]]—the governor-general of Papua New Guinea—in the country.<ref name=rybs>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120229041600/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandPapuaNewGuinea/HistoryandpresentGovernment.aspx History and present Government]</ref>

Since the independence of Papua New Guinea in 1975, the pan-national Crown has had both a shared and a separate character and the sovereign's role as monarch of Papua New Guinea is distinct to his or her position as monarch of any other realm, including the United Kingdom.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120406030833/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandPapuaNewGuinea/QueenandPapuaNewGuinea.aspx Queen and Papua New Guinea]</ref> The monarchy thus ceased to be an exclusively British institution and in Papua New Guinea became a Papua New Guinean, or "domesticated" establishment.<ref>{{Cite journal| last=Mallory| first=J.R.| title=Seals and Symbols: From Substance to Form in Commonwealth Equality| journal=The Canadian Journal of Economics and Political Science| volume=22| issue=3| pages=281–291| publisher=Blackwell Publishing| location=Montreal| date=August 1956| doi=10.2307/138434| jstor=138434| issn=0008-4085}}</ref><ref>{{citation|page=205|quote=The Crown is an institution that has grown to become specific to the country in which it now finds itself planted. No longer just a British monarchy, the Crown is separately a Jamaican monarchy, Tuvaluan monarchy, Canadian monarchy, et cetera.|title=Canada's Constitutional Monarchy: An Introduction to Our Form of Government|year=2011|isbn=9781554889808|publisher=Dundurn|author=Nathan Tidridge}}</ref>

This division is illustrated in a number of ways: The sovereign, for example, holds [[#Title|a unique Papua New Guinean title]] and, when he is acting in public specifically as a representative of Papua New Guinea, he uses, where possible, symbols of Papua New Guinea, including the country's [[Flag of Papua New Guinea|national flag]], [[#Royal symbols|unique royal symbols]], and the like. Also, only Papua New Guinean [[Minister (government)|government ministers]] can advise the sovereign on matters of the country.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scott|first=F. R.|date=January 1944|title=The End of Dominion Status|journal=The American Journal of International Law|publisher=American Society of International Law|volume=38|issue=1|pages=34–49|doi=10.2307/2192530|jstor=2192530|s2cid=147122057 }}</ref>

In Papua New Guinea, the legal personality of the [[Sovereign state|state]] is referred to as the "Crown in Right of Papua New Guinea".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/speeches/former-justices/kirbyj/kirbyj_castan2.htm|title=Launch of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law|work=High Court of Australia|date=31 October 2000|access-date=12 April 2022}}</ref>

===Title===
[[File:Queen Elizabeth II in blue 2013.jpg|thumb|Queen [[Elizabeth II]], the first monarch of Papua New Guinea, was known as ''Misis Kwin'' by the people of Papua New Guinea]]

Upon independence in 1975, the Constitution granted [[Elizabeth II]] a separate title in her new role as Head of State of Papua New Guinea. Per section 85 of the Constition, the Royal Style and Titles of Elizabeth II in relation to Papua New Guinea became: ''Elizabeth II, Queen of Papua New Guinea and Her other Realms and Territories, [[Head of the Commonwealth]]''.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 45"/>

Since the accession of Charles III, the monarch's title is: ''Charles III, King of Papua New Guinea and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth''.

This style communicates Papua New Guinea's status as an independent monarchy, highlighting the monarch's role specifically as Head of State of Papua New Guinea, as well as the shared aspect of the Crown throughout the realms, by mentioning Papua New Guinea separately from the other Commonwealth realms. Typically, the sovereign is styled "King of Papua New Guinea" and is addressed as such when in Papua New Guinea, or performing duties on behalf of the country abroad.

Colloquially, Queen Elizabeth II was referred to as ''Misis Kwin'' ("Mrs Queen"), ''Mama Kwin'', ''Sina Bada'', ''Big Mum'', and ''Mama belong big family'' in the [[creole language]] of [[Tok Pisin]].<ref name=BMW>{{cite web| url=https://www.royal.uk/papua-new-guinea | publisher=Royal Household| title=Papua New Guinea| website=The Royal Family| date=16 December 2015| access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pngcanberra.org/condolence-and-tribute-to-late-her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii-missus-kwin/|title=Condolence and Tribute to Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Missus Kwin|date=12 October 2022|work=pngcanberra.org}}</ref><ref name="Global News">{{cite news|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9155497/queen-elizabeth-death-united-nations-general-assembly-meeting/|title=Queen Elizabeth II honoured at UN meeting: 'Exceptional monarch'|work=Global News|date=25 September 2022}}</ref>

===Oath of allegiance===
As the embodiment of the state, the monarch is the locus of oaths of allegiance. This is done in [[reciprocity (social and political philosophy)|reciprocation]] to the sovereign's [[Coronation]] Oath, wherein they promise to govern the peoples of their realms, "according to their respective laws and customs".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oremus.org/liturgy/coronation/cor1953b.html|title=The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II}}</ref>

The oath of allegiance in Papua New Guinea is:<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| pp=7–8}}</ref>

{{blockquote|"I, ''(name)'', do swear that I will well and truly serve and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His heirs and successors according to law. So help me God."}}

===Succession===
{{Further|Succession to the British throne}}
[[File:Realms Lunch Coronation Event (52871678292).jpg|thumb|[[William, Prince of Wales]], the current heir apparent to the throne of Papua New Guinea, speaking with Governor-General [[Sir Bob Dadae]], 2023]]
The constitution provides that the King's heirs shall succeed him as head of state.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 45"/> Like some realms, Papua New Guinea defers to United Kingdom law to determine the line of succession.<ref>{{citation| url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Commons/2015-03-26/HCWS490/| last=Clegg| first=Nick| title=Commencement of Succession to the Crown Act 2013 :Written statement - HCWS490| date=26 March 2015| publisher=Queen's Printer| location=London| access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref>

Succession is by [[primogeniture|absolute primogeniture]] governed by the provisions of the [[Succession to the Crown Act 2013]], as well as the [[Act of Settlement 1701|Act of Settlement, 1701]], and the [[Bill of Rights 1689|Bill of Rights, 1689]]. This legislation limits the succession to the natural (i.e. non-[[adoption|adopted]]), legitimate descendants of [[Sophia of Hanover|Sophia, Electress of Hanover]], and stipulates that the monarch cannot be a [[Roman Catholic]], and must be in communion with the [[Church of England]] upon ascending the throne. Though these constitutional laws, as they apply to Papua New Guinea, still lie within the control of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British parliament]], both the United Kingdom and Papua New Guinea cannot change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship; a situation that applies identically in all the other realms, and which has been likened to a [[treaty]] amongst these countries.<ref>Justice Rouleau in a [[O'Donohue v. Canada|2003 court ruling]] wrote that "Union under the&nbsp;... Crown together with other Commonwealth countries [is a] constitutional principle". [http://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2003/2003canlii41404/2003canlii41404.html O’Donohue v. Canada, 2003 CanLII 41404 (ON S.C.)]</ref>
	
Upon a [[demise of the Crown]] (the death or abdication of a sovereign), it is customary for the accession of the new monarch to be publicly proclaimed by the governor-general in the capital, Port Moresby, after the accession.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-13|title=PNG Proclaims King Charles III |language=en | author=Gorethy Kenneth |work=Papua New Guinea Post-Courier |url= https://postcourier.com.pg/png-proclaims-king-charles-iii/ |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref> Regardless of any proclamations, the late sovereign's heir immediately and automatically succeeds, without any need for confirmation or further ceremony. An appropriate period of mourning also follows, during which flags across the country are flown at half-mast to honour the late monarch.<ref>[https://postcourier.com.pg/png-to-mark-independence-with-sorrow/ PNG to mark Independence with sorrow]</ref> The day of the funeral is likely to be a public holiday.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-13|title=Papua New Guinea Proclaims King Charles III as Head of State |language=en |work=Papua New Guinea Today |url= https://news.pngfacts.com/2022/09/papua-new-guinea-proclaims-king-charles.html |access-date=2022-09-13}}</ref>

In light of the accession of King Charles III in 2022, Prime Minister [[James Marape]] said that Parliament would make changes in the Constitution of Papua New Guinea to replace all constitutional references to the "Queen" with the "King".<ref>{{cite web|date=21 June 2024|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/charles-has-closer-ties-to-png-than-other-royals/|work=The National|title=Charles has closer ties to PNG than other royals}}</ref>

==Constitutional role==
{{Main|Constitution of Papua New Guinea}}
[[File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee meeting the Governor General of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Ogio, at Government House, Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea on April 28, 2016.jpg|thumb|Governor-General [[Sir Michael Ogio]] with President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] of India, at Government House, 2016]]

The Constitution of Papua New Guinea is a single, codified document, being both [[Constitutional autochthony|autochthonous]] and [[Entrenched clause|entrenched]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3000588|author=Peter Oliver|title=Autochthonous Constitutions
|publisher=Social Science Research Network|ssrn=3000588 |publication-date=July 13, 2017|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://academic.oup.com/icon/article/14/2/325/2526805|author=N.W. Barber|title=Why entrench?|publisher=International Journal of Constitutional Law|volume=14|issue=2|publication-date=April 2016|pages=325–350|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> The constitution, in turn, is underpinned by various [[Organic law|organic acts]], [[Constitutional convention (political custom)|conventions]], and the underlying [[Common law|common]] and [[customary law]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Papua_New_Guinea_2016?lang=en|title=Part II, Division 1, Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea|publisher=The Constitute Project|access-date=May 12, 2023}}</ref> This body of law altogether gives Papua New Guinea a parliamentary system of government under a constitutional monarchy, wherein the role of the monarch and governor-general is both legal and practical, but not political.

Unlike in most other Commonwealth realms, sovereignty is constitutionally vested in the citizenry of Papua New Guinea and the preamble to the constitution states "that all power belongs to the people—acting through their duly elected representatives".<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| pp=1–2}}</ref> The monarch has been, according to section 82 of the constitution, "requested by the people of Papua New Guinea, through their Constituent Assembly, to become [monarch] and head of State of Papua New Guinea" and thus acts in that capacity.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 45"/> As such, the concept of the head of state as "the sovereign" within the conventional context of the [[Westminster system]] does not apply to Papua New Guinea. As head of state, the monarch is at the apex of the constitutional order of precedence.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 45"/>

{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=It was necessary to have the Queen as head of state. She has a very special place in our system of government.<ref>{{citation|title=Queen Of The World |date=2019|first1=Robert|last1=Hardman|publisher=Penguin Random House|isbn=9781784759513|pages=233–234}}</ref>| salign=right|source=[[Bob Dadae|Sir Bob Dadae]], Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, 2017}}

A number of constitutional powers, duties, and functions are reposed in the monarch as head of state.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 46">{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=46}}</ref> In practice, however, most of the responsibilities belonging to the head of state are performed on a daily basis by the governor-general, who acts in the monarch's name. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the nomination of a simple majority of the [[National Parliament of Papua New Guinea|National Parliament]]; upon appointment, governors-general serve six-year terms of office.<ref name="Elizabeth II 1975 46"/> That notwithstanding, there are still a handful of responsibilities which are exclusively performed by the monarch, such as appointing the governor-general and agreeing to the awarding of state honours.<ref name="rybs"/>

=== Executive ===
The Constitution of Papua New Guinea vests executive authority in [[the Crown]], to be exercised either by the head of state directly as the living embodiment of the Crown or by the governor-general as the monarch's representative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Papua_New_Guinea_2016#s2307|title=Section 138 of the Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea|publisher=Constitute Project|access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref> Papua New Guinea is a [[Westminster system|Westminster style]] [[parliamentary democracy]] wherein the power to govern is entrusted by the head of state to a democratically elected government that is in turn [[Cabinet collective responsibility|collectively responsible]] to [[parliament]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://constituteproject.org/constitution/Papua_New_Guinea_2016#s2309|title=Sections 139-142, Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea|publisher=Constitute Project|access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref> This construct of [[responsible government]] has been in place since Papua New Guinea achieved independence in 1975. Thus, one of the main duties of the Crown is to appoint a [[prime minister]], who thereafter heads the [[National Executive Council of Papua New Guinea|National Executive Council]] and [[Advice (constitutional)|advises]] both the head of state and the governor-general on the exercise of the Crown's executive powers.<ref>{{citation| url=https://www.parliament.gov.pg/images/misc/PNG-CONSTITUTION.pdf| author=Elizabeth II| title=Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea| page=45| year=1975| access-date=13 April 2023}}</ref> 

The monarch's and thereby the viceroy's role is primarily symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments and agencies operate. As such, it is for the Cabinet to decide how to use the Royal Prerogative, command the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]], [[Parliamentary session|summon and prorogue parliament]] and [[Dropping the writ|call elections]].<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=53}}</ref> Nevertheless, both the head of state and the governor-general enjoy "the right to be consulted, the right to encourage, and the right to warn" [[ministers of the Crown|ministers]] on any aspect of state business.<ref>[[Walter Bagehot|Bagehot, Walter]] (1867). ''The English Constitution''. London: Chapman and Hall. p. 103.</ref> In addition, the constitution authorizes the head of state to unilaterally use the reserve powers of the Crown in relation to the dismissal of a prime minister, refusing a dissolution of parliament, and removal of a judge in exceptional, [[constitutional crisis]] situations.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| pp=67–68}}</ref>

==== Government organization ====
The governor-general, to maintain the stability of the government of Papua New Guinea, appoints as [[Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea|prime minister]] the leader of the political party which gains the support of a majority in Parliament after a general election.<ref name=roles>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160819033543/http://gg.gov.pg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=102 Roles]</ref> Due to the fact that Papua New Guinea's political landscape is highly fractured along multiple, shifting political parties, governors-general are actively involved in the process of identifying a [[member of Parliament]] who can command the [[Motion of no confidence|confidence]] of his or her peers. The governor-general additionally appoints, assigns portfolios to, and dismisses the other ministers at the direction of the prime minister.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=68}}</ref> The monarch is kept informed by his viceroy of the acceptance of the resignation of a prime minister and the swearing-in of a new prime minister and other members of the ministry, and remains fully briefed through regular communications from his Papua New Guinean ministers. Likewise, members of various executive agencies and other officials are appointed by the governor-general in the name of the head of state.

==== Foreign affairs ====

[[File:US Ambassador to PG presents credentials 02.jpg|thumb|US Ambassador McKee with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, 2019]]

The Royal Prerogative further extends to foreign affairs: the governor-general ratifies treaties, alliances, and international agreements. As with other uses of the Royal Prerogative, no parliamentary approval is required. However, a treaty cannot alter the domestic laws of Papua New Guinea; an Act of Parliament is necessary in such cases. The governor-general, on behalf of the monarch, also accredits Papua New Guinean [[High Commissioner]]s and ambassadors and receives diplomats from foreign states.<ref name=roles/> 
In addition, the issuance of passports falls under the Royal Prerogative and, as such, all [[Papua New Guinean passport]]s are issued by the governor-general in the name of the head of state.<ref>[https://www.royal.uk/passports Passports]</ref>

=== Parliament ===

[[File:Papua New Guinea 1991-039 Parliament House, Port Moresby (33351725760).jpg|thumb|[[National Parliament House, Port Moresby]], the meeting place for the [[National Parliament of Papua New Guinea]], was opened by [[King Charles III]], as [[Prince of Wales]], in 1984.<ref name=about/>]]

Given that sovereignty vests in the citizenry and not the head of state, Papua New Guinea is unique among Commonwealth realms in that legislative authority rests solely with the [[National Parliament of Papua New Guinea|National Parliament]] as opposed to the Crown.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=51}}</ref> Nevertheless, parliament convenes only under the authority of the head of state. For this reason, the Crown is represented in parliament by manner of a ceremonial mace, which bears a crown at its apex.<ref name=about>{{cite web|work=National Parliament of Papua New Guinea|access-date=13 April 2023|url=https://www.parliament.gov.pg/about/parliament|title=About Our Parliament}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=The National|title=Lalai proud of role in House|date=7 November 2020|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/lalai-proud-of-role-in-house/}}</ref>

The viceroy summons, [[Legislative session|prorogues]], and [[dissolution of Parliament|dissolves]] parliament on behalf of the head of state.<ref name=roles/> In the event of dissolution, the [[Writ of election|writs for a general election]] are usually [[Dropping the writ|dropped by the governor-general]] at Government House, Port Moresby.<ref name=roles/> The governor-general is responsible for presiding over the opening of a new parliamentary session, during which he or she reads [[Speech from the Throne|an address in parliament]], outlining the government's legislative agenda.<ref name=roles/><ref>{{citation| url=https://www.parliament.gov.pg/uploads/hansard/H-10-20170822-M01-D02.pdf| work=National Parliament of Papua New Guinea| title=Official Opening of the Tenth Parliament – Address by the Governor-General| page=5| accessdate=10 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{citation| url=https://www.parliament.gov.pg/uploads/hansard/H-11-20220830-M02-D01.pdf| work=National Parliament of Papua New Guinea| title=Official Opening of the Eleventh Parliament – Address by the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea| page=4| accessdate=10 March 2024}}</ref>  Generally speaking, the governor-general's powers are exercised on the binding advice of the prime minister, except in cases where the governor-general acts against ministerial advice in order to prevent constitutional crises.<ref name=roles/>

Unlike in other Commonwealth realms, [[royal assent]] has no constitutional basis in the enactment of Papua New Guinean legislation. Instead, bills become Acts of Parliament when certified as such under the National Seal by the [[Speaker of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea|speaker]]. However, the head of state may, acting on the advice of the National Executive Council, recommit an Act of Parliament to parliament for its reconsideration. This effectively constitutes a suspensive [[veto]] over legislation.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=55}}</ref>

===Courts===

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea is appointed by the governor-general on behalf of the head of state.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=76}}</ref>

The Papua New Guinean monarch, on the advice of the National Executive Council, can also grant immunity from prosecution, exercise the ''[[royal prerogative of mercy]]'', and pardon offences against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial. The exercise of the 'Power of Mercy' to grant a pardon and the commutation of prison sentences is described in section 151 of the Constitution.<ref>{{harvnb| Elizabeth II| 1975| p=71}}</ref>

==Cultural role==

===The Crown and Honours===
[[File:Operation Open Heart (10711686936).jpg|thumb|Governor-General [[Sir Paulias Matane]] conducting an investiture at Government House, 2006]]

Within the Commonwealth realms, the monarch is deemed the [[fount of honour]].<ref>{{citation|title=Commonwealth Journal: The Journal of the Royal Commonwealth Society · Volumes 12-14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=inArAQAAMAAJ|pages=99|year=1969|publisher=Royal Commonwealth Society}}</ref> Similarly, the monarch, as sovereign of Papua New Guinea, confers awards and honours in Papua New Guinea in his name. Most of them are often awarded on the advice of "His Majesty's Papua New Guinea Ministers".<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=60536|date=15 June 2013 |pages=39–46|supp=y}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette |issue=50367 |date=31 December 1985 |pages=43–46  |supp=y |nolink=yes}}</ref>

Papua New Guinea's own national honours and awards system, known as "The Orders of Papua New Guinea", was formally established on 23 August 2005 by authority of the Queen of Papua New Guinea, Elizabeth II. The monarch is the sovereign and head of the Orders of Papua New Guinea. His vice-regal representative, the governor-general, is the chancellor of the Orders of Papua New Guinea and Principal Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20151229163406/http://gg.gov.pg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=109 Establishment]</ref>

===The Crown and the Defence Force===

{{multiple image
| align    = right
| total_width = 200
| image1   = PNGDF Land OF-05.svg
| image2   = PNGDF Land OF-04.svg
| image3   = PNGDF Land OF-03.svg
| footer   = The rank insignia of a Papua New Guinean Colonel (left), Lieutenant-Colonel (centre), and Major (right) of the Land Element of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force featuring the [[St Edward's Crown]]
}}

The Crown sits at the pinnacle of the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]]. It is reflected in Papua New Guinea's maritime vessels, which bear the prefix ''HMPNGS'', i.e., ''His Majesty's Papua New Guinea Ship''.<ref>{{citation|title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World|year=2005|publisher=Naval Institute Press|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hoo-AQAAIAAJ|pages=537|isbn=9781591149347 }}</ref> St Edward's Crown appears on Papua New Guinea's Defence Force rank insignia, which illustrates the monarchy as the locus of authority.

Members of the Defence Force have often participated and represented Papua New Guinea at various royal events, including the [[Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pngdf-fly-flag-london-113099|title=PNGDF fly flag in London|work=Loop PNG|date=7 June 2022|accessdate=11 June 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609052310/https://www.looppng.com/png-news/pngdf-fly-flag-london-113099|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-joins-queens-celebration/|title=PNG joins Queen's celebration|work=The National|date=6 June 2022|accessdate=11 June 2022|archive-date=6 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606042757/https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-joins-queens-celebration/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[coronation of King Charles III]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ict.gov.pg/governor-general-attends-kings-coronation/|title=Governor-General Attends King's Coronation|date=7 May 2023|work=ict.gov.pg}}</ref>

Members of the royal family also act as colonels-in-chief of various regiments, reflecting the Crown's relationship with the Defence Force through participation in military ceremonies both at home and abroad. [[Charles III]] is the Colonel-in-Chief of Papua New Guinea's [[Royal Pacific Islands Regiment]] (which was granted the prefix "Royal" by Queen Elizabeth II in 1984).<ref>{{citation|page=76|title=The Royal Year, 1984: Volume 11|year=1984|isbn=9780711204003|publisher=Windward}}</ref> In 2012, Charles, dressed in the forest green uniform of the regiment, presented troops with new colours at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diamond Jubilee: Charles and Camilla tour Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-20196252 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 November 2012}}</ref>

===The Crown and the Constabulary===

The national police force of Papua New Guinea is known as the "[[Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary]]". Formerly the Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary, the force came into existence following the amalgamation of the Royal Papuan Constabulary (which was granted the prefix "Royal" by [[King George VI]] in 1939) and the New Guinea Police Force in 1942.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=https://www.rpngc.gov.pg/about-rpngc/history/|work=Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary|access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/rpngchome/royal-papua-and-new-guinea-constabulary|title=Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary|access-date=14 April 2023}}</ref> On 2 June 1953, 25 members of the Constabulary represented the [[Territory of Papua and New Guinea]] at the [[coronation of Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Constabulary mourns passing of HM The Queen Elizabeth II|date=12 September 2022|url=https://www.ict.gov.pg/constabulary-mourns-passing-of-hm-the-queen-elizabeth-ii/|work=Department of Information & Communications Technology}}</ref>

The Crown sits at the pinnacle of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. The governor-general is the Commandant of the Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/pa199875.pdf|title=Police Act 1998|page=6|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710093648/http://www.paclii.org/pg/legis/consol_act/pa199875.pdf}}</ref> [[St. Edward's Crown]] appears on the Constabulary's badges and rank insignia, which illustrates the monarchy as the locus of authority.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714033545/http://www.uniforminsignia.org/?option=com_insigniasearch&result=1776|url=http://www.uniforminsignia.org/?option=com_insigniasearch&result=1776|title=Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary|archive-date=14 July 2022}}</ref>

===The Crown and Tok Pisin===
{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=''Mi nambwan pikinini bilong misis kwin na wanpela ten lapan bilong Manus. Mi bringim bikpela tok hamamas bilong Mejesti Kwin bilong Papua Niugini na olgeta haus lain bilong mi lon dispela taim bilong Diamon Jubili bilon misis kwin. Mi tokpisin olrite?'' <br>([[Tok Pisin]]: I am the first born child of Her Majesty The Queen and am the tenth Lapan of Manus. I bring you greetings from Her Majesty The Queen of Papua New Guinea and from all my Family Members during this celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of The Queen. Was my Pisin correct?)<ref>{{cite web|title=A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales in Papua New Guinea|date=5 November 2012|url=https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speech/speech-hrh-prince-wales-papua-new-guinea|work=princeofwales.gov.uk|access-date=3 July 2022 }}</ref>| salign=right| source=[[Charles, Prince of Wales]], 2012}}

In the creole language of [[Tok Pisin]], Queen Elizabeth II was referred to as ''Misis Kwin'', ''Mama Kwin'', ''Sina Bada'', ''Big Mum'' and ''Mama belong big family''.<ref name=BMW /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/memorial-for-the-queen/ |title=Memorial for The Queen|date=20 September 2022|work=Post Courier}}</ref><ref name="Global News"/> The Queen's husband, [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]] was addressed as ''Oldfella Pili-Pili Him Bilong Misis Kwin''.<ref name=pikinini/> As heir to the throne, the then Prince Charles (later King Charles III) was known in Tok Pisin as ''Nambawan pikinini bilong Misis Kwin'' ("The first child of Mrs Queen").<ref name=pikinini>{{cite news| title=Prince Charles in Papua New Guinea: how to speak pidgin English like a royal| work=The Guardian| date=5 November 2012| url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/shortcuts/2012/nov/05/prince-charles-papua-new-guinea| access-date=23 May 2021| archive-date=12 September 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912205723/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/shortcuts/2012/nov/05/prince-charles-papua-new-guinea| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=pngpow>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/9654071/Prince-of-Wales-nambawan-pikinini-visits-Papua-New-Guinea.html|title=Prince of Wales, 'nambawan pikinini', visits Papua New Guinea|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|date=4 November 2013|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523085637/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/9654071/Prince-of-Wales-nambawan-pikinini-visits-Papua-New-Guinea.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Members of the royal family have often spoken in Tok Pisin while in Papua New Guinea. In October 1982, the Queen gave a famous 'I hope to return' speech in Tok Pisin, watched by thousands under rainy skies, in which she said, "mi hamamas tru long istap wantaim yupla nau, na mi ting bai mi kam bek long lukim yupla lo taim bihain".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://postcourier.com.pg/her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii-passes-on/ | title=Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Passes On |date=9 September 2022|work=Post Courier}}</ref>

In August 1984, Charles, Prince of Wales visited Manus island and in a lavish ceremony was crowned the "10th Lapan of Manus". A feast was organised for this occasion and all the local chiefs were invited. Charles—draped with dogs' teeth necklaces—accepted the title by saying, "Wuroh, wuroh, wuroh, all man meri bilong Manus. Mi hammamas tru" (Tok Pisin: Thank you all men and women of Manus. I am truly filled with happiness).<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince Charles, Prince of Wales|access-date=13 April 2023 |url=https://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/prince-of-wales-crowned-10th-lapan-of-manus-in-papua-new-news-photo/836643136|work=Getty Images}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=The Royal Year: A Year in the Life of the Royal Family|pages=70, 73|isbn=9780856138218 |year=1984 |publisher=Orbis|author=Lynn Picknett}}</ref>

In 2012, during a tour to mark the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee]], Charles, Prince of Wales introduced himself in Tok Pisin as the "nambawan pikinini bilong Misis Kwin" – the number one child belonging to Mrs Queen, in a speech to the crowds. Responding to huge cheers, he conveyed in Tok Pisin the greetings from the Queen of Papua New Guinea and all members of the royal family.<ref name=pikinini/><ref name=pngpow/>

===Royal symbols===
Royal symbols are the visual identifiers of the monarchy of Papua New Guinea. The main symbol of the monarchy is the sovereign himself, and his image is thus used to signify Papua New Guinean sovereignty. Thus, framed portraits of him are displayed in public buildings and government offices. Queen Elizabeth II's portrait, for instance, appears on various medals, and postage stamps. A bust of Queen Elizabeth II is also located in the grounds of Government House in Port Moresby. A [[St Edward's Crown|Crown]] is also depicted as a royal symbol on various medals and awards, which reflects the monarch's place as the ''[[fount of honour]]''—the formal head of the [[Papua New Guinea honours system]].

The [[King's Official Birthday]] is a public holiday in Papua New Guinea. In Papua New Guinea, it is usually celebrated in June every year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.postcourier.com.pg/kings-birthday-on-june-17/|date=14 May 2024|title=King's birthday on June 17|work=Post Courier}}</ref> Official celebrations occur at hotels in Port Moresby, and much of the day is filled with sports matches, fireworks displays, and other celebrations and events. Honours and medals are given for public service to Papua New Guineans, who are mentioned in the King's Birthday Honours List.<ref>{{cite web|title=Queen's Birthday 2022, 2023 and 2024 in Papua New Guinea|url=https://publicholidays.asia/papua-new-guinea/queens-birthday/|access-date=3 November 2021|work=publicholidays.asia}}</ref>

<gallery class="center" widths="250px" heights="150px">
Flag of the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.svg|The flag of the governor-general of Papua New Guinea featuring [[St Edward's Crown]]
PNG police emblem.svg|The emblem of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary featuring featuring the Crown
Grand Companion Order of Logohu.jpg|[[St Edward's Crown]] surmounting the insignia of the Grand Companion of the [[Order of Logohu]]
Papua New Guinea Minature Diamond Jubilee Medal.png|Papua New Guinean version of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012
</gallery>

;Artworks
{{multiple image
| total_width = 300
| image1      = Missis Kwin by Mathias Kauage.jpg
| caption1    = ''Missis Kwin'' by [[Mathias Kauage]], 1996
| image2      = Her Majesty in the Land of the Unexpected.jpg
| caption2    = ''Her Majesty in the Land of the Unexpected'' by Jeffry Feeger, 2002
}}

Papua New Guinean painters have created various expressive, informal depictions of the monarch. One of these portraits is ''Missis Kwin'', painted by artist [[Mathias Kauage]], and presented to the Queen in 1996, on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea. In the painting, the Queen is shown wearing a Gerua, an important ceremonial headdress traditionally worn by Chieftains in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. A Gerua is generally made of wood that is carved and then painted in bright colours to resemble the feathers of birds of paradise, and other species. According to the artist, the portrait represents the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite web|archive-date=6 February 2022|url=https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/trails/the-art-of-monarchy/missis-kwin |title=Missis Kwin|work=Royal Collection Trust|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206140006/https://www.rct.uk/collection/themes/Trails/the-art-of-monarchy/missis-kwin}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=Royal Collection Trust| url=https://www.rct.uk/collection/407778/missis-kwin|title=Missis Kwin|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref>

To commemorate the [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II]] in 2002, a Fine Arts Exhibition, entitled ''20 Portraits and other Works'', was held in Papua New Guinea in June 2002. Artists were asked to display a portrait of the Queen, specially made for the exhibition. The winning portrait by painter Laben John was presented as a gift to the Queen by Jean Kekedo, Papua New Guinean High Commissioner to the UK, on 16 July 2002. The runner-up portrait{{emdash}}''Her Majesty in the Land of the Unexpected''{{emdash}}painted by Jeffry Feeger, depicts the Queen in Papua New Guinean traditional regalia. The painting was sent to Papua New Guinean High Commission in London, where it is on permanent display.<ref name=marape/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://connectunitedkingdom.tripod.com/connectuk/id19.html|archive-date=1 July 2004|title=Her Majesty's Portraits|work=Connect UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040701170336/https://connectunitedkingdom.tripod.com/connectuk/id19.html}}</ref>

===Royal visits===
{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=Great store is rightly placed on the ability of your people to solve problems by consensus and discussion. That is the Melanesian Way. I am sure it will lead to success.<ref name=kwinpng>{{citation|title=The Melanesian Way|year=1983|page=170|publisher=Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies|author=Bernard Narokobi}}</ref>|salign=right|source=[[Elizabeth II of Papua New Guinea]], 1977}}

[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], visited during an extended Commonwealth tour which lasted from October 1956 until February 1957.<ref name=royv>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120229041603/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchAndCommonwealth/TheQueenandPapuaNewGuinea/Royalvisits.aspx Royal visits]</ref> [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent|Prince Edward]] and [[Katharine, Duchess of Kent|Katherine]], the [[Duke of Kent|Duke and Duchess of Kent]], visited in 1969 to open the [[1969 South Pacific Games|3rd South Pacific Games]] in Port Moresby.<ref>{{citation|page=1074|title=Official Year Book of the Commonwealth of Australia No. 56, 1970|author=Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics|publisher=Aust. Bureau of Statistics|year=1970|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BdqzB5D5BO0C}}</ref><ref>{{citation|page=88|title=Port Moresby: Taim Bipo|year=2011|isbn=9781921920196|publisher=Boolarong Press|author=Stuart Hawthorne}}</ref>

[[Queen Elizabeth II]] visited Papua New Guinea for the first time, along with Prince Philip and Princess Anne, in February 1974. They toured Rabaul and Goroka. The ''Post Courier'' editorial of 27 February 1974, remarked:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pngattitude.com/2023/07/tribute-to-elizabeth-ii-former-queen-of-png.html|title=Tribute to Elizabeth II, former Queen of PNG|date=12 July 2023|work=PNG Attitude}}</ref>

{{blockquote|The affinity between British royalty and Papua New Guinea today has more the flavor of the line at the supermarket checkout than that of monarch and subject. The way in which the Queen has brought the monarchy into close touch with the people without any of the shortcomings must surely be the achievement for which she will be best remembered.}}

The Queen returned in 1977 during her Silver Jubilee tour, when she toured the capital Port Moresby, Popondetta and Alotau.<ref name=royv/> At a banquet, the Queen said that when she accepted the office of Head of State, she had hoped that the Crown could play a part in helping to establish and maintain unity.<ref name=kwinpng/> The Queen and the Duke visited again in October 1982.<ref name=royv/>

[[Charles, Prince of Wales]], toured in 1966, while he was a student in Australia. For the independence celebrations in 1975, the Queen of Papua New Guinea was represented by the Prince of Wales. Charles visited again in 1984 to open the new parliament building in [[Port Moresby]].<ref name=BMW /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/9552611/Prince-of-Wales-and-Duchess-of-Cornwall-to-make-Australian-visit.html|title=Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to make Australian visit|date=19 September 2012|newspaper=The Telegraph|author=The Telegraph|access-date=21 September 2012}}</ref><ref name=royv/> [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York]] visited in 1991 to open the [[1991 South Pacific Games|9th South Pacific Games]].<ref>{{citation|page=222|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0oVKAAAAYAAJ|title=The Orchadian: Volume 11|year=1993|publisher=Australasian Native Orchid Society}}</ref> [[Anne, Princess Royal]] visited in 2005 for the 30th anniversary of independence celebrations. Among other places, the Princess visited the Bomana War Cemetery, Anglicare Stop Aids centre at Waigani, Cheshire Homes at Hohola, and the Violence Against Women Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.png2005.org.pg/royalvisit.htm |title=Papua New Guinea visit |year=2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224141559/http://www.png2005.org.pg/royalvisit.htm |archive-date=24 December 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>

The Prince of Wales visited in 2012 on a tour on the occasion of [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|the Queen's Diamond Jubilee]].<ref name=BMW /><ref name=royv/> During their time in the country, the Prince and the Duchess met church, charity, and community volunteers, cultural groups, and members of the [[Papua New Guinea Defence Force]] in and near [[Port Moresby]].<ref>{{citation| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/9552611/Prince-of-Wales-and-Duchess-of-Cornwall-to-make-Australian-visit.html| title=Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to make Australian visit| date=19 September 2012| newspaper=The Telegraph| access-date=21 September 2012| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921114200/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-charles/9552611/Prince-of-Wales-and-Duchess-of-Cornwall-to-make-Australian-visit.html| archive-date=21 September 2012| df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York]], visited in 2015 to open the [[2015 Pacific Games|15th Pacific Games]] on the Queen's behalf, and visited [[Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery]].<ref name=BMW />

{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=It is a short visit but I will see Her Majesty shortly and I will be sure to tell her of the warmth and affection for Missis Kwin that is so evidently strong here.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/g-g-hosts-state-dinner-hrh-111480|date=13 April 2022|title=G-G hosts State Dinner For HRH|work=Loop PNG}}</ref>| salign=right| source=[[Anne, Princess Royal]], 2022}}

The Princess Royal visited the country in April 2022 to mark [[the Queen's Platinum Jubilee]].<ref>{{cite news|work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/02/24/royal-family-unveil-packed-spring-world-tour-mark-queens-platinum/|title=Prince William and Kate will visit the Caribbean to kick off series of Platinum Jubilee world tours|date=24 February 2022|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> The Princess and her husband [[Timothy Laurence|Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence]] carried out various engagements, including visits to a Catholic boarding school, [[St John Ambulance PNG]], the [[Port Moresby (Bomana) War Cemetery|Bomana War Cemetery]], [[Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery]], [[Port Moresby General Hospital]], [[Vabukori]], and [[Hanuabada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/princess-anne-welcomed-with-traditional-dancing-at-papua-new-guinea-school-during-royal-tour-marking-queens-platinum-jubilee-12588406|title=Princess Anne welcomed with traditional dancing at Papua New Guinea school during royal tour marking Queen's Platinum Jubilee|work=Sky News|date=12 April 2022|accessdate=13 April 2022}}</ref>

[[Charles III]], King of Papua New Guinea, is expected to visit in 2025 to attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of independence.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 September 2022|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/king-charles-to-visit-png/|title=King Charles to visit PNG|work=The National}}</ref>

==Views on the monarchy==
{{quote box| width=260px| border=1px| align=right|fontsize=88%| quote=I believe the monarchy is as relevant and vital today as it has ever been. Her Majesty contributes to our stability and harmony in many, many ways. I affirm our allegiance to Her Majesty as our head of state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Proud to be part of Commonwealth|work=The National|date=4 November 2012|url=https://www.thenational.com.pg/proud-to-be-part-of-commonwealth/}}</ref>|| salign=right| source=[[Peter O'Neill]], Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, 2012}}

Among Papua New Guineans, there exists a history of admiration for the royal family.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://postcourier.com.pg/charles-involvement-in-pngs-independence/|title=Charles' involvement in PNG's Independence|access-date=17 April 2022|work=Post Courier|quote=The people of PNG have a history of admiration for the royal family and when at independence the country joined the British Commonwealth, the interest just got bigger.}}</ref> In 2022, the year of the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II]], Governor-General [[Sir Bob Dadae]] said that Papua New Guineans were "graciously honoured and proud" to have the Queen as their head of state.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.looppng.com/png-news/g-g-hosts-state-dinner-hrh-111480|date=13 April 2022|work=Loop PNG|title=G-G hosts State Dinner For HRH}}</ref> During her Jubilee visit in 2022, the Princess Royal thanked Papua New Guineans for "your loyalty and your respect for Her Majesty that you have shown throughout her reign".<ref name=annehrh>{{cite news |date=13 April 2022|url=https://news.pngfacts.com/2022/04/princess-anne-thanks-papua-new-guinea.html|title=Princess Anne Thanks Papua New Guinea for Loyalty to Queen|work=Papua New Guinea Today}}</ref>

[[Justin Tkatchenko]], Minister for National Events, said in 2022, that the country won't make a transition to a republic, and Papua New Guinea is embracing its monarchy and "making it bigger and better than it was before".<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-12/princess-anne-in-papua-new-guinea/100981996 Princess Anne set to tour PNG as royal family contends with British empire's colonial past], [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]], 12 April 2022</ref> Following the Queen's death in September 2022, Prime Minister [[James Marape]] said that Papua New Guinea's relationship with the monarchy is "very important", and his administration would not follow the path of republicanism.<ref name=marape>{{cite web|title=PNG'S relationship with British Monarch and Commonwealth important: Marape|date=15 September 2022|url=https://www.ict.gov.pg/pngs-relationship-with-british-monarch-and-commonwealth-important-marape/|work=Department of Information & Communications Technology}}</ref> He remarked that Papua New Guinea has "learnt to embrace royalty" because of Elizabeth II's "outlook within the realm and her long life".<ref>{{cite news|title=Prime Minister Welcomes King Charles III as PNG Head of State|date=14 September 2022|url=https://pnghausbung.com/prime-minister-welcomes-king-charles-iii-as-png-head-of-state/|work=PNG Haus Bung}}</ref>

A 2023 opinion poll found that 45% of people supported Papua New Guinea becoming a republic with 51% preferring to keep the monarchy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The monarchy: the view from the "Commonwealth realms" - Lord Ashcroft Polls |url=https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-the-view-from-the-commonwealth-realms/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=lordashcroftpolls.com}}</ref> In May 2023, Marape, responding to critics who consider abolishing the monarchy, said, "Papua New Guineans are a people very accustomed to tradition, ceremony, and hierarchal systems", and that the monarchy "reminds us of our own traditional Chieftaincy systems which brought order, balance and stability to our communities and societies". He added that the country's continued allegiance to the Crown is "also linked to our shared history and Britain's hand in our development as a country".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ict.gov.pg/papua-new-guinea-celebrates-crowning-of-king-charles-iii/|title=Papua New Guinea celebrates Crowning of King Charles III|date=6 May 2023|work=Department of Information & Communications Technology}}</ref>

==List of Papua New Guinean monarchs==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Portrait
! rowspan="2" style="width:20%;"| Regnal name<br /><small>(Birth–Death)</small>
! colspan=2   | Reign over Papua New Guinea
! rowspan="2" | Full name
! rowspan="2" | Consort
! rowspan="2" | House
|-
!Start
!End
|- style="background:#eee;"
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Queen Elizabeth II official portrait for 1959 tour (retouched) (cropped) (3-to-4 aspect ratio).jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |'''[[Elizabeth II]]'''<br /><small>(1926–2022)</small>
|16 September 1975
|8 September 2022
|Elizabeth Alexandra Mary
|[[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Philip Mountbatten]]
|[[House of Windsor|Windsor]]
|-
| colspan="5" |<u>Governors-general:</u> [[John Guise (Papua New Guinean politician)|Sir John Guise]], [[Tore Lokoloko|Sir Tore Lokoloko]], [[Kingsford Dibela|Sir Kingsford Dibela]], [[Ignatius Kilage|Sir Ignatius Kilage]], [[Serei Eri|Sir Vincent Serei Eri]], [[Wiwa Korowi|Sir Wiwa Korowi]], [[Silas Atopare|Sir Silas Atopare]], [[Paulias Matane|Sir Paulias Matane]], [[Michael Ogio|Sir Michael Ogio]], [[Bob Dadae|Sir Bob Dadae]]<br /><u>Prime ministers:</u> [[Michael Somare]], [[Julius Chan]], [[Paias Wingti]], [[Rabbie Namaliu]], [[Bill Skate]], [[Mekere Morauta]], [[Peter O'Neill]], [[James Marape]]
|- style="background:#eee;"
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |[[File:King Charles III (July 2023).jpg|100px]]
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |'''[[Charles III]]'''<br /><small>(b. 1948)</small>
|8 September 2022
|present
|Charles Philip Arthur George
|[[Queen Camilla|Camilla Shand]]
|[[House of Windsor|Windsor]]
|-
| colspan="5" |<u>Governors-general:</u> [[Bob Dadae|Sir Bob Dadae]]<br /><u>Prime ministers:</u> [[James Marape]]
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Oceania|Monarchy}}

* [[Lists of office-holders]]
* [[List of prime ministers of Elizabeth II]]
* [[List of prime ministers of Charles III]]
* [[List of Commonwealth visits made by Elizabeth II]]
* [[Monarchies in Oceania]]
* [[List of monarchies]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=n|30em}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.royal.uk/papua-new-guinea Papua New Guinea] at The Royal Family website

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}}

[[Category:Government of Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Politics of Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Commonwealth realms|Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Heads of state of Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Monarchies of Oceania|Papua New Guinea]]
[[Category:Kingdoms]]