Capital Port of Spain 1962–72 Solomon Hochoy 1962–76 Eric Williams | 1962–76 Elizabeth II 1972–76 Ellis Clarke Founded 1962 | |
 | ||
Government Constitutional monarchy Currency Trinidad and Tobago dollar (1964–) | ||
Trinidad and Tobago was a Commonwealth realm between 31 August 1962 and 1 August 1976, before it became a republic.
When British rule ended, in 1962, the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Act 1962 transformed the British Crown Colony of Trinidad and Tobago into an independent sovereign state, sharing its sovereign, Elizabeth II, with the other Commonwealth realms. The monarch's constitutional roles were mostly delegated to the Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago.
The following governors-generals held office in Trinidad and Tobago during the Commonwealth realm period:
- Sir Solomon Hochoy (31 August 1962 - 24 June 1972)
- Sir Ellis Clarke (24 June 1972 - 1 July 1976)
Eric Williams held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the Trinidad and Tobago during this period.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Trinidad and Tobago in her capacity of Queen of Trinidad and Tobago in February 1966.
Following the abolition of the monarchy and the promulgation of a republic on 1 August 1976, the last governor-general, Sir Ellis Clarke, became the first President of Trinidad and Tobago.