Vice-Regal Warrant Issued by Governor-General Established Formal Rules for Official Titles and Honorific Styles in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda now has a formally codified system governing the use of official titles and honorific styles, following the issuance of a Vice-Regal Warrant by Governor-General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams — a framework that sets clear national standards for how constitutional officeholders and distinguished citizens are addressed and recognised.

The Warrant and Its Authority

The warrant, dated December 10, 2025, was issued under the authority vested in the Governor-General by the Constitution and bears the countersignature of Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The new rules create a formal system for the granting and use of appellations and styles within Antigua and Barbuda, providing clear guidelines for the recognition of constitutional officeholders and distinguished individuals while promoting consistency and dignity in national protocol.

"The Right Honourable" — Who Qualifies

Under the provisions of the warrant, the style "The Right Honourable" is conferred for life upon the Governor-General and all former Governors-General. The designation is also granted to Prime Ministers upon the commencement of their fourth term in office, whether those terms are consecutive or not, and to former Prime Ministers who have served no fewer than four terms. Members of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council are likewise entitled to use the style for life.

The warrant further empowers the Governor-General, acting by warrant and with the countersignature of the Prime Minister, to bestow the style "The Right Honourable" on former Prime Ministers and other distinguished individuals deemed deserving of the honour.

"The Honourable" — Parliamentarians and Beyond

The style "The Honourable" is granted to all Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for the duration of their tenure in office. The Governor-General may also authorise former parliamentarians and other distinguished persons to retain the style for life through a special warrant.

Additionally, the new rules recognise that individuals who are members of the Order of the Caribbean Community are entitled to use the style "The Honourable."

"Excellency" Reserved for Serving Officeholders

The style "Excellency" has been reserved exclusively for the Governor-General, the spouse of the Governor-General, and Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassadors and High Commissioners. However, the title may only be used while those individuals remain in office.

The Framework's Flexibility

The warrant also provides that the Governor-General and successors retain the authority to amend, interpret, augment, or revoke the rules through future warrants issued under the Governor-General's hand and seal and countersigned by the Prime Minister.

A Step Toward Greater Consistency

The establishment of the new framework marks an important step in codifying national protocol and setting clear standards for recognising service, achievement, and constitutional office in Antigua and Barbuda. The system aligns the country's official styles and appellations with longstanding Commonwealth traditions while reflecting Antigua and Barbuda's own constitutional and national circumstances.

The warrant's publication comes at a significant moment — with Antigua and Barbuda preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November and an anticipated state visit by His Majesty King Charles III, the codification of national protocol standards carries added relevance as the nation's international profile rises ahead of the most consequential diplomatic gathering in its history.