Shrinking Empire: Jamaica Dropping the English Queen?

Republican rumblings are common in the U.S. with Presidential elections looming.  But it’s a different sort of Republican rumblings – those of actually becoming a republic – going on at a popular tourist destination, as Jamaica’s new leader tells Queen Elizabeth that she’ll cease to be the Head of State there by the end of the year.

FOX News Radio’s Alastair Wanklyn reports from London:

(Miller) “I have long believed…”

Sworn in for a second time as Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, pledging to turn Jamaica into a republic.

(Miller) “…Replacing the Queen as Head of State before Jamaica turns 50.”

Jamaica declared independence from Britain in 1962, but it remains a member of the British Commonwealth.  Price Harry is due to head there shortly, and officials here in London say that visit will go ahead as planned.

Queen Elizabeth is Head of State in 16 nations.  She’s reported to believe it is up to the Jamaicans who they have as Head of State.  Australia, too, recently debated becoming a republic.

In London, Alastair Wanklyn, FOX News Radio.