Sierra Leone (Commonwealth realm)

Sierra Leone
Commonwealth realm
1961–1971
Flag Coat of arms
Motto "Unity, Freedom, Justice"
Anthem High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free
Location of the Commonwealth realm of Sierra Leone (red) in Western Africa.
Capital		Freetown
Languages		English Krio (Creole)
Government		Constitutional monarchy
Queen
•	1961–1971	Elizabeth II
Governor-General of Sierra Leone
•	1961–1962	Sir Maurice Henry Dorman
•	1962–1967	Sir Henry J. L. Boston
•	1967–1968	Andrew Juxon Smith
•	1968	John Amadu Bangura
•	1968–1971	Sir Banja Tejan-Sie
Prime Minister
•	1961–1964	Milton Margai
•	1947–1967	Albert Margai
•	1967	Siaka Stevens
•	1967	David Lansana
•	1967	Ambrose Patrick Genda
•	1967–1968	Andrew Juxon-Smith
Historical era		Decolonization of Africa
•	Independence	27 April 1961
•	Republic	19 April 1971
Currency		BWA pound (1961–1964) Leone (from 1964)
Preceded by Succeeded by Sierra Leone Colony and Protectorate Sierra Leone

The Commonwealth realm of Sierra Leone, officially known as "Sierra Leone", was a predecessor to the present-day Republic of Sierra Leone. It was the African country with the longest tenure as a Commonwealth realm, existing between 27 April 1961 and 19 April 1971.

When British rule ended in 1961, the British Crown Colony of Sierra Leone was given independence as a Commonwealth realm under the Sierra Leone Independence Act 1961. While a Commonwealth realm, the British monarch, Elizabeth II, remained the head of state of Sierra Leone and was represented in Sierra Leone by a Governor-General. Sierra Leone shared the Sovereign with the other Commonwealth realms. The royal succession was governed by the English Act of Settlement of 1701. The following Governors-General of Sierra Leone held office:

The following held office as Prime minister (and head of government) of Sierra Leone during this period:

a. As Chairman of the National Reform Council.
b. As Chairman of the National Interim Council.

Elizabeth II visited Sierra Leone from November to December 1961; shortly after independence, in her capacity of Queen of Sierra Leone.

The link with the British monarchy was abolished on the promulgation of the 1971 constitution and Prime Minister Siaka Stevens became the first President of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone became a republic within the Commonwealth.