What is the nature of Canada's, Australia's, and New Zealand's ties to the British crown?

Question

I know that at least in theory, these countries still have some link to Britain, but obviously they are not true colonies. Does anyone know what the exact nature of the relationship is?

Answer 1

Although at one time they may have been colonies, they are not now.  Gaining that independence from Britain was done in various ways and in various steps and pieces of legislation.  I think this is the one that actually changed Canada from its status as a Dominion to one of true self-government:

"The Statute of Westminster, 1931

The Statute of Westminster was the logical end of years of change and negotiation between Britain and her Dominions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Newfoundland). It made several key provisions:

British parliament could no longer nullify laws in the Dominions.

Dominions could make their own extra-territorial laws.

British law no longer applied to the Dominions.

Although Canada had already acted on her own in the past, the Statute of Westminster formally put external affairs under the authority of the federal government. Thus, when World War II began in 1939, Canada did not automatically go to war with Britain. As an independent nation, Canada declared war six days after the British."

So now all of the countries you mention are independent nations with a friendly relationship with the United Kingdom in recognition of their previous relationships as colonies.  Although I understand the Australians are looking for a little more distance between themselves and the MotherShip.

The only difference between the US and the Commonwealth countries you mention  is that the americans gained their independence through violent means and the rest of us just negotiated our way to freedom.

Makes no difference now, although some Commonwealth countries (like Canada) still recognize the Queen as titular (and very symbolic) head of the goverment and the Governor General as Her Majesty's representative in Canada.

It's colourful and makes for good entertainment for tourists.