The position of Governor-General was established when Antigua and Barbuda was granted independence on 1 November 1981, prior to which there had existed the equivalent position of Governor of Antigua and Barbuda.
A posición do Gobernador Xeral foi estabelecida cando a Antiga e Barbuda lle foi concedida a independencia o 1 de novembro de 1981, antes diso existía o cargo equivalente de Gobernador de Antiga e Barbuda.