/library/oar/handle/123456789/114999 2025-12-20T19:33:30Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115124 Title: Guest editorial introduction : The epoch of Queen Elizabeth II : continuity and rupture in small states and territories Authors: Gray, Sarah; Clegg, Peter Abstract: The death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 after 70 years on the throne and the ascent of King Charles III precipitated much discussion about the role and relevancy of the British Monarch across the Commonwealth and more particularly whether it was time for those countries who still retained the Monarch as their head of state to move to a republican system. Change is likely, but it may well happen more slowly than commentators first thought. Indeed, the extent of influence and authority of the Crown remains significant, none more so than in the United Kingdom’s Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. This guest editorial introduction offers an overview of the legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the challenges facing her successor and, despite broad public debates about how decolonisation can be completed, illustrates that it is far too early in many places to dismiss or discard the continuing role of the Crown. 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115178 Title: Crown dependencies in an era of continuity and change Authors: Wilson, Gary N.; Hanlon, Will Abstract: Crown Dependencies (the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man) are sub-national island jurisdictions in the British Isles whose autonomy and sovereignty over internal matters is guaranteed by their long-standing relationship with the British Crown. This article examines the evolution of the Crown Dependencies during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, a time of considerable political and economic change that was largely driven by insular actors rather than imposed from the outside. It focuses on developments in the late Elizabethan period that were precipitated by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, more commonly known as Brexit. In the immediate aftermath of Brexit, it appears that the Crown Dependencies will seek to preserve their existing relationship with the Crown and, by extension, the UK, with perhaps some minor reforms that enhance their autonomy in the international sphere. This approach, however, may have to change in the longer term as they grapple with exogenous forces and developments beyond their control. 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115157 Title: The constitutional status of Sark Authors: Morris, Caroline Abstract: Sark is a very small sub-national island jurisdiction held by a feudal property right from the British Monarch; Sark is mostly self-governing, although responsibility for its defence and external affairs lies with the British government. This article takes a legal- historical document-based approach to exploring whether Sark can be correctly described as a Crown Dependency in its own right, using criteria relating to its governance, geopolitical status, and international and domestic relationships. 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/115164 Title: Roles and responsibilities of Governors in the UK Overseas Territories : prerogative power and democratic accountability Authors: O’Brien, Derek; Clegg, Peter Abstract: Relations between the United Kingdom (UK) and its 14 Overseas Territories (OTs) are long-standing and multifaceted. Each of the ten inhabited OTs has its own parliament or council, and in most cases, a Cabinet; yet, their governance remains based on a ‘partnership’ with the UK, with a division of responsibilities between them. The role of the Governor in ensuring that this ‘partnership’ works effectively is crucial. However, there are concerns about how Governors often exercise their powers (deriving authority from Royal prerogative) and whether a ‘democratic deficit’ exists. They must also navigate the sometimes-competing interests between the UK and the OTs, which can be challenging. This article highlights and interrogates some of these complexities and difficulties at a time when the power and reach of the British Monarch – and thus by association OT Governors – is under scrutiny. In particular, the article considers: the Governor’s softer, day-to-day influencing role; their more formal constitutional powers, where they can and do intervene in legislative matters; and if the ‘democratic deficit’ inherent in the position can be addressed by greater representation of the OTs in the UK Parliament. 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z