Prince Charles, who was seen on video today looking sleepy during the ceremony that marked Barbados’ historic transformation to a Republic, was caught on camera.
As the Prince of Wales aged 73, closed his eyes and moved his head forward slowly before sitting up quickly as flashing cameras caught him.
Charles felt the effects of the long flight, four hour time difference and ceremony that began at 11.30 p.m. local time (or 3.30 a.m. UK time).
At the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, he was joined by ex-cricketer Garfield Sobers and new President Sandra Mason. Rihanna also attended.
This comes just as the heir of the throne has acknowledged the “appalling atrocity” of slavery, and described it during the ceremony to be something that ‘forever stains’ our history.
Charles said that while the UK’s role in transatlantic slave trading was “darkest” and described it as the “darkest days” of its history, he saw the future with the “creation Of This Republic As A New Beginning”.
He will lead many Caribbean countries’ states when he takes the throne, and his words will echo throughout the region.
Barbados was cut off from the British monarchy over centuries when its first president, Lady Sandra Mason, was inaugurated as the head of the state in a live televised ceremony. It took place in Bridgetown.
The Queen addressed Barbados’ president with her warmest wishes and expressed her admiration for the country’s ‘vibrant culture, sporting talent, and natural beauty.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Barbados stated that the UK and Barbados would remain “steadfast friends” and allies with “a partnership built for long-term”.
Prince Charles seems to be asleep during the midnight Barbados ceremony
Heir to the throne sat in the symbolic moment when the Queen’s standard was dropped for the final time. The presidential flag was raised at midnight local on November 30, which is the 55th anniversary of our independence from Britain.
Charles said to guests that included Mia Mottley (Barbados’ prime minister) and Rihanna (“The founding of the Republic is a new start, but it also represents a step on a continuum. It’s an important milestone in the long journey you’ve not only traveled but built.
“From the most difficult days in our past and the terrible atrocity of slavery which has forever tarnished our history, these people have forged their paths with incredible fortitude.
Your waypoints were ‘Emancipation and self-government, Independence. Your guides were freedom, justice and self determination.
“Your long journey brought you here, and not to your destination but to a point where you can see a new horizon.”
Today, Prince Charles spoke at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
He spoke the same words as a 2018 speech during which he described slavery in west Africa as an “indelible stain” on the world.
Activists from Barbados demanded an apology from the UK Government and compensation for the slavery they suffered in protest before the ceremony.
In the 17th and18th centuries, the sale and transportation of human beings for profit was supported by or made possible by the succession of monarchs.
Slavery abolitionists were fighting against the trade when they were confronted by George III’s son the Duke of Clarence. William IV would later become George III.
William Wilberforce (abolitionist) and other pro-slavery activists would win the battle and pass the law banning slavery trade.
Today, former cricketer Garfield Sobers is joined by Sandra Mason, new president of Barbados, Rihanna, and Prince William.
Charles spoke with a positive tone, almost as though he were writing to a friend. He expressed no regret for Barbados leaders’ decision.
He listed his ways that he would’remain deeply dedicated to this very special nation’, pointing out the ongoing efforts of Prince’s Trust International in supporting Barbados’ youth and their work on climate change issues with the government.
He added, “I will always consider myself to be a Barbados friend.”
“Tonight, you will write the next chapter in your nation’s history, adding to its treasure trove of personal courage, collective enterprise, past accomplishment, and collective achievement already filled with pages.
“Yours, Barbadians, is a story where every Barbadian, old and young, can take great pride in – inspired and confident by what’s come before.
Britain’s determination to maintain strong relations with the Caribbean country also seems a priority. A trade delegation consisting of 25 British businesses visited earlier this month, which was the first time in three years. It met with Darren Henry (the prime minister’s trade envoy for the Caribbean).
Wendy Morton (Minister for Europe and Americas), arrived on Sunday with the prince and has been making a number of visits to the island.
Graham Smith is the chief executive of Republic. Republic campaigns for an elected head.
“Barbados is not only doing their own favor, they are also showing the way to the 15 Commonwealth realms.”
He stated that Barbados’ transition has also brought forth calls for reparations for slave labor and for an apology on the part of the monarchs for their families’ involvement in slavery trade.
“Those calls aren’t going away” and the royals will not be able to get out of that discussion without significant damage.