Lord Protector of the Commonwealth (Cromwell the Great)

The Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland is the title of the head of state of the Commonwealth.

The 1653 Instrument of Government (republican constitution) stated that—
 * Oliver Cromwell, Captain-General of the forces of England, Scotland and Ireland, shall be, and is hereby declared to be, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the dominions thereto belonging, for his life.

The replacement constitution of 1657, the Humble Petition and Advice, gave 'His Highness the Lord Protector' the power to nominate his successor. Cromwell chose his son Henry. This was a non-representative and de facto dynastic mode of succession, with royal connotations in both styles awarded, even a double invocation 16 December 1653 "By the Grace of God and Republic Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland" and many other monarchic prerogatives, such as awarding knighthoods.

The Humble Petition and Advice also gave the Lord Protector to choose up to twenty-one Councilors of the Commonwealth State Council.

Lord Protectors of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland

 * Oliver Cromwell ((December 1653 – September 1658)
 * Henry Cromwell (September 1658-1696)