Trinidad and Tobago (Commonwealth realm)
| Trinidad and Tobago | ||||||
| Commonwealth realm | ||||||
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| Motto "Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve" | ||||||
| Anthem "For the Love of Liberty" Royal anthem "God Save the Queen" | ||||||
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| Capital | Port of Spain | |||||
| Government | Constitutional monarchy | |||||
| Monarch | ||||||
| - | 1962–76 | Elizabeth II | ||||
| Governor-General | ||||||
| - | 1962–72 | Solomon Hochoy | ||||
| - | 1972–76 | Ellis Clarke | ||||
| Prime Minister | ||||||
| - | 1962–76 | Eric Williams | ||||
| Historical era | Cold War | |||||
| - | Independence | 31 August 1962 | ||||
| - | Republic | 1 August 1976 | ||||
| Currency | TT dollar (from 1964) | |||||
The Commonwealth realm of Trinidad and Tobago, officially known as "Trinidad and Tobago", was a predecessor to the modern-day Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It existed between 31 August 1962 and 1 August 1976.
When British rule ended when, in 1962, the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Act 1962 transformed the British Crown Colony of Trinidad and Tobago into the independent sovereign Commonwealth realm,[1] sharing its sovereign, Elizabeth II, with the other Commonwealth realms. The monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago. The royal succession was governed by the English Act of Settlement of 1701.
The following governors-generals held office in Trinidad and Tobago during the Commonwealth realm period:
- Sir Solomon Hochoy (31 August 1962 - 24 June 1972)
- Sir Ellis Clarke (24 June 1972 - 1 July 1976)
Eric Williams held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the Trinidad and Tobago during this period.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Trinidad and Tobago in her capacity of Queen of Trinidad and Tobago in February 1966. She also visited the islands as Head of the Commonwealth in 1985 and 2009.
Following the abolition of the monarchy and the promulgation of a republic on 1 August 1976,[2] the last governor-general, Sir Ellis Clarke, became the first President of Trinidad and Tobago.