Governor-General of Belize
| Governor-General of Belize | |
|---|---|
| Flag of the governor-general | |
| since 27 May 2021 | |
| Style | Her Excellency | 
| Residence | Government House, Belize (former) Belize House, Belmopan (since 1984) | 
| Appointer | Monarch of Belize on the advice of the prime minister | 
| Term length | 7 years | 
| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Belize | 
| Formation | 21 September 1981 | 
| First holder | Dame Elmira Minita Gordon | 
| Salary | BZ$75,000 | 
| Website | Official website | 
| Belize portal | 
The governor-general of Belize is the representative of the Belizean monarch, currently King Charles III, in Belize. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister of Belize. The functions of the governor-general include appointing ministers, judges, and ambassadors; giving royal assent to legislation passed by the National Assembly; and issuing writs for election.
In general, the governor-general observes the conventions of the Westminster system and responsible government, maintaining a political neutrality, and has to act only on the advice of the prime minister. The governor-general also has a ceremonial role: hosting events at the official residence—Belize House in the capital, Belmopan—and bestowing honours to individuals and groups who are contributing to their communities. When travelling abroad, the governor-general is seen as the representative of Belize and its monarch.
Governors-general are appointed for a seven-year term of office. Since 27 May 2021, the governor-general has been Dame Froyla Tzalam.
The office of the governor-general was created on 21 September 1981, when Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom as a sovereign state and an independent constitutional monarchy. Since then, three individuals have served as governor-general.