Malawi (Commonwealth realm)

Malawi
Commonwealth realm
1964–1966
Flag Coat of arms
Motto "Unity and Freedom"
Anthem Mulungu Dalitsi Malawi God Save Malawi Royal anthem God Save the Queen
Location of the Commonwealth realm of Malawi (red) in Southern Africa.
Capital		Lilongwe
Government		Constitutional monarchy
Queen
•	1964–1966	Elizabeth II
Governor-General
•	1964–1966	Glyn Smallwood Jones
Prime Minister
•	1964–1966	Hastings Banda
Historical era		Cold War
•	Independence	6 July 1964
•	Republic	6 July 1966
Currency		Malawian pound
Preceded by Succeeded by 20px Nyasaland Protectorate Malawi

Malawi was a predecessor to the modern-day Republic of Malawi. It existed between 1964 and 1966. When British rule ended in 1964, by the Malawi Independence Act 1964, the Nyasaland Protectorate, formerly a constituent of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, was given independence as a Commonwealth realm with the British monarch as head of state. Malawi shared the Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, with the other Commonwealth realms. The monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Malawi:

1. Sir Glyn Smallwood Jones (6 July 1964 – 6 July 1966)

The royal succession was governed by the same rules as the succession to the British throne. Elizabeth II did not reside in or visit Malawi in the 1960s but she did visit in 1979 (22–25 July) as Head of the Commonwealth.

Hastings Banda held office as prime minister (and head of government) of Malawi during this period. Following the abolition of the monarchy, the Republic of Malawi came into existence on 6 July 1966 and Banda became the first President of Malawi.

See also

• Cabinet Crisis of 1964

References

• http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1964/may/11/malawi-independence-bill
• http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1966/jun/14/malawi-republic-bill-hl
• http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Malawi.htm