Paul- It may interest you to know that many of Britain's Empire members still have the Queen as Head of State, and the independence they enjoy was achieved in close co-operation with Britain.

I do not expect others to understand the details of this situation but it is known as The Commonwealth of Nations and is still alive and more or less viable, and an amazing achievement of peaceful independence and growth.

Commonwealth countries are democratic and allow the possibility of equality among their citizens.

No, it's not perfect, but it is a very good effort!