The Queen has sent the new republic of Barbados her ‘warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future’ as it celebrates its ‘momentous day’ on becoming a republic
The Queen today congratulated Barbados on becoming a republic after a sparkling ceremony where Rihanna was given the highest Bajan honour and Prince Charles condemned the ‘appalling stain’ of slavery.
The Royal Standard was lowered in the capital Bridgetown in the early hours of this morning as the Caribbean island cut ties with the throne in London – 396 years after it first became part of the British Empire under King James I.
Charles had flown into the tropical island as the representative of its head of state – but after the midnight ceremony in the capital Bridgetown, he is now simply a visiting dignitary after watching the new President, Dame Sandra Mason, being inaugurated.
The handover of power was pointedly chosen on the anniversary of Barbados’ independence from Britain in 1966 and the island’s most profitable casino famous star Rihanna jetted in to receive the honour of National Hero of Barbados – along with cricket great Sir Garfield Sobers.
The Queen sent her own message to the island nation, telling them and their new president: ‘On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians.
‘I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today. Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightfully proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom.
‘Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change. It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and peoples.
‘As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future.’
In his speech to mark the occasion, the Prince of Wales said slavery was an ‘appalling atrocity which forever stains our history’ as the baton was passed.
The new president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason (seated right), watches on as Prince Charles addresses the crowd at her inauguration in Bridgetown this morning
Rihanna was one of the guests of honour and watched as Charles said he respected its government’s decision to become a republic
Dame Sandra Mason, left, was inaugurated as the first president of Barbados in a ceremony addressed by Prince Charles
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley (L) and President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason (R) honor Rihanna as a National Hero during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square
The singer Rihanna was awarded the honour of National Hero of Barbados under her full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty as part of the festivities
Charles is seated in National Heroes Square in Barbados’s capital Bridgetown as the ceremony got underway at midnight
Dame Sandra is sworn in as the first President of Barbados after the country became a republic and removed the Queen as its head of state earlier this morning
Dame Sandra Mason becomes Barbados’s first president in a ceremony taking place in Bridgetown this morning that saw the Queen’s Royal Standard lowered for the final time (left) and replaced by a new presidential flag (right)
The Queen’s standard is lowered for the final time in Barbados this morning as the island nation becomes a republic
Dame Sandra is seated in a chair previously occupied by Prince Charles after being sworn in an Barbados’s first president
Rihanna thanking Dame Sandra after having the honour of National Hero conferred on her during this morning’s ceremony
Barbados’ new President Sandra Mason and singer Rihanna stand during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony to mark the birth of a new republic in Barbados
The singer Rihanna was made National Hero during the ceremony that saw Barbados inaugurate its first president early today
The military led the pomp at the first presidential inauguration ceremony in Barbados’s history, 55 years to the day since the island won independence from the Britain
Prince Charles takes his seat at the ceremony where Dame Sandra Mason will replace his mother the Queen as Barbados’s head of state
Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers embraces Rihanna – the only two living National Heroes of Barbados after the singer received the honour to mark the nation’s independence. Both are now addressed ‘The Right Excellent’.
A cultural celebration of Barbados, under the theme of ‘Pride of Nationhood’, was at the heart of the ceremony
There were wild celebrations at this morning’s ceremony as well as parties across the island
But a planned protest against Prince Charles’ presence in Barbados and calling for slavery reparations from the Royal Family was cancelled after the island’s government denied them a permit to prevent the spread Covid-19.
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In his speech, the Prince of Wales said he respected its government’s decision to become a republic, but was delighted it was remaining in the Commonwealth.
