Originally a phrase (the common-wealth or the common wealth – echoed in the modern synonym “public wealth”), it comes from the old meaning of “wealth”, which is “well-being”, and is itself a loose translation of the Latin res publica (republic). The term literally meant “common well-being”. Why is India stillRead More →

Can Canadians receive knighthoods or damehoods from the Queen? Currently there is a practical ban on Canadians accepting British honours. … The Nickle Resolution was passed in 1919 and stated that the practice of foreign governments bestowing honours on Canadians should be discontinued. Can someone who is not British beRead More →

Commonwealth, also called Commonwealth of Nations, formerly (1931–49) British Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of sovereign states comprising the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies who have chosen to maintain ties of friendship and practical cooperation and who acknowledge the British … When did the CommonwealthRead More →