Associated statehood between these six territories and the UK was brought about by the West Indies Act 1967 (c. 4).

Under the act each state had full control over its constitution (and thus internal self-government), while the UK retained responsibility for external affairs and defence.

[2] The British monarch remained head of state, but the Governor now had only constitutional powers, and was often a local citizen.

All former associated states went on to keep the British monarchy and became Commonwealth realms, with the exception of Dominica from 1978.

Of all of these islands that were once associated states, all are now independent, except for Anguilla within the former St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, which is still a British Overseas Territory.