How the Commonwealth arose from a crumbling British Empire

Britain’s new king, Charles III, will take the reins of this organization composed of former colonies. But the royal family’s leadership of the Commonwealth is no longer a given—here’s why.

Published September 12, 2022
10 min read

The death of Queen Elizabeth II set into motion a historic transition of power—not just in Great Britain but in 54 countries across the world that maintain ties to the royal family as members of the Commonwealth of Nations, an international organization composed mainly of former British colonies.

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