In British Commonwealth parliaments, the party or coalition which garners a majority forms Her Majesty's Government and the remainder (opposition) parties make up Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. The term is used to make it clear that one can oppose the government's policies and yet remain loyal to the Crown.

In Canada, at one time a separatist party, the Bloc Quebecois, formed Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. The term and reality may sometimes be at odds.