Royal Colony

A royal colony was a type of colony directly controlled by the British Crown. The king or queen appointed a governor to oversee the colony's administration, enforce laws, and manage relations with Indigenous peoples. The colony's laws and policies were subject to approval by the Crown, and its residents often owed loyalty and taxes to the monarchy. This setup allowed the British government to maintain direct oversight and influence over these colonies, unlike private or charter colonies where colonists or companies had more autonomous control. Examples include Virginia and North Carolina before they became separate entities.