Why is Queen Elizabeth II the head of state in many countries?

The British Empire onsisted of a large number of countries, which were originally directly governed by the U.K., thus the monarch of the day was Head of State for each of them. The acquisition of overseas territories began in the 16th century and grew over the following centuries until it reached its peak in the age of Victoria. read more

The British Empire onsisted of a large number of countries, which were originally directly governed by the U.K., thus the monarch of the day was Head of State for each of them. read more

Two situations in two countries differ from the others. The government of the unrecognised state of Rhodesia proclaimed its allegiance to Elizabeth II as queen of Rhodesia from 1965 to 1970. However, she did not accept either the role or the title and it was not accepted or recognised by any other state. read more

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the official head of state for 16 different independent countries, known as the "Commonwealth realms" - a smaller club than the Commonwealth of Nations, many of whose members are now queenless republics. read more