royal governor

A royal governor was a British official appointed by the crown to govern a colony directly. This system, known as a royal colony, meant the governor and their council were chosen by the British government, not elected by the colonists.1

The governor's powers were derived from a commission granted by the crown or from legislation. In British constitutional practice, these governors, and their superiors, the governor-generals, represented the crown's authority. Their role evolved over time, especially as colonies moved towards self-government and independence within the Commonwealth.2

While the crown held ultimate authority, colonial assemblies often clashed with royal governors, using their power over taxation to gain influence and widen the legislature's authority.3