The
Irish Free State was, in accordance with its
constitution, governed formally under a form of
constitutional monarchy. The
British monarch was the
head of state of the Irish Free State from 1922 to 1931, when the
Statute of Westminster came into effect, and thereafter the Irish Free State had a
unique crown, though held by the same person who was sovereign for the other
Dominions. Until 1936, the monarch exercised a number of important duties, including appointing the
Executive Council (cabinet), dissolving the legislature and promulgating laws. Nonetheless, by convention the monarchs's role was largely ceremonial and these and his constitutional duties were largely exercised on his behalf by his official representative, the
Governor-General. Most of the monarch's functions were taken from him in the final days of the Irish Free State, under a constitutional amendment adopted in 1936. The monarchy was finally abolished with the
formal declaration of the Republic of Ireland.
Title of King
The monarch's title in the Irish Free State was exactly the same as it was elsewhere in the
British Empire, being
- From 1922–1927 - By the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India
- 1927–1937 - By the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India
The reason the monarch's title changed in...
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