Governor-General

The constitutional Head of State of Belize is Queen Elizabeth II, who is in her absence represented by the Governor-General. This governor-general can exercise the monarch’s authority on her behalf either directly or through officials in the office of the governor-general. He or she must be a citizen of Belize. This position is largely ceremonial, and thus the governor-general must act under the authority of the Cabinet or the prime minister. In return the prime minister keeps the governor-general informed of the conduct and happenings in and around the government. Belize House in Belmopan is the governor-general’s permanent residence.