Pictured in 2018: Dame Sandra Mason will be Barbados’s first President in a ceremony afterwards
Barbados prepares to reduce the Royal Standard one last time today, as the Caribbean island is made a republic.
The Queen sent an email of congratulations to Sandra Mason, who will succeed her as Head Of State.
Prince Charles attended the ceremony at Bridgetown, where Dame Sandra will take office as the nation’s first President after 400 years of loyal service to the British Crown.
The Queen sent a message to the nation, saying: “On this important occasion, and the assumption of office by Barbados’ first President, I wish to extend my congratulations and best wishes for all Barbadians.
‘I was very proud to be with my son today, having first visited this beautiful country in the early days of independence.
‘Since then the people of Barbados hold a special place within my heart; it’s a country rightfully boastful of its vibrant cultural, sporting prowess and natural beauty that draws visitors from all across the globe including the United Kingdom.
This morning, the Prince of Wales will speak out about the common goals and long-lasting bonds that exist between Barbados (and the UK) during the ceremony.
Charles will inform the nation as well that it is important to him attend the event in order to affirm those things that do not change during the significant constitutional shift.
As Barbados celebrates its 55th year of independence, the heir-to-the-throne will deliver the address shortly after midnight (local time)
As the Prince of Wales arrives in Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason greets him. She will later become President.
The decision of Barbados to remove Queen Elizabeth as Head of State will be closely watched by the Commonwealth, particularly in the Caribbean.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, stated that Barbados and the UK will be’steadfast allies and friends’ and that they have a ‘partnership built to last.
In a statement, he stated that Barbados is turning a new chapter in its history, and becoming a republic. He was proud to acknowledge the long-standing relationship between their two countries.
“We will be strong friends and allies. We build on our longstanding kinship, connections and bonds between our people and that unique bond called the Commonwealth.
“Our partnership is built for the long-term, and we will tackle global problems like climate change and recovery from pandemics together.
Charles will say the following during the National Heroes Square ceremony: “As your constitution changes, it was important for me that you join me to affirm those things which don’t change.”
A ‘Pride of Nationhood’ celebration was held by locals on Monday, which marked the end of the reign of the Queen.
Bridgetown was party-spirited late Monday night ahead of the swearing-in of Sandra Mason, the first president of the country.
He’ll continue by pointing out examples of the close, trusted partnerships between Barbados (and the United Kingdom) that remain as crucial members of Commonwealth.
Charles will also be celebrating the cultural, economic, and social bonds between Britain and Barbados.
Barbados follows other Caribbean countries that have let go of the Queen. Guyana became a republic in 1970. Trinidad and Tobago followed in 1976 and Dominica was two years later.
Jamaicans have also expressed their desire for an elected head state in recent years. Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that it was a priority of his government but it has not been achieved.
Charles also plans to speak about the importance of the Barbadian diaspora’s contribution in the UK and reaffirm his friendship with the island.
The ceremony will see service personnel march by the prince, giving their last salute to monarchy.
Before the swearing-in ceremony, celebrations began in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Some Bajans will be protesting throughout the day. They are asking for an apology and compensation from the UK Government and the monarchy.
Charles will also be awarded the Freedom of Barbados for exceptional service to his country and the Caribbean diaspora, as well as to humanity in general.
Barbados was established in 1966 as an independent country. Since then, its head of government has been the Queen. But the possibility of Barbados becoming a republic is still being discussed at national levels over the years.
Barbados is one the 16 realms that the Queen has created – these are countries in which she is the head of state. Other countries within the Caribbean include Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas, Belize and Grenada.
Charles, who arrived on the ministerial plane Voyager on Sunday evening local time was met by an impressive diplomatic party headed by Scott FurssedonnWood, Britain’s high-commissar to Barbados.
Mia Motley (Barbarian prime minister) and other military officials were on hand to walk the red carpet, where they were presented to the prince.
The prince arrived with a Guard of Honour as well as a military band. A 21-gun salute, which lasted over the Grantley Adams International Airport was also part of their welcoming party.
After her homeland decided to replace the Queen with a head of state in Barbados, Rihanna reportedly arrived in Barbados “for the Inauguration of their First President”. Local media reports that Rihanna is now resident there
JESSICA GREEN, MailOnline Femail
Rihanna has ‘arrived in Barbados for the inauguration of its first president’, according to local media reports.
The singer, 33, who was born on the Caribbean island and appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary by her home country’s government in 2018, is reportedly going to be among the dignitaries attending Tuesday’s ceremony.
Barbados is the new republic of the world. After 55 years as the head of state, the Queen has been removed and the first president, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, swears in.
Local media Kevz Politics tweeted this evening: ‘Multiple media reports indicate that Ambassador Robyn @rihanna Fenty has landed in Barbados and is listed among dignitaries to be present tonight for the Inauguration of Barbados’ first President Dame Sandra Mason.’
MailOnline cannot confirm if Rihanna is currently in Barbados. She will, however, attend the inauguration.
According to media reports, Rihanna (pictured above) has “arrived in Barbados for its inaugural president’.
MailOnline reached Rihanna’s representatives to get their comments.
In 2018, Rihanna was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary in her home country.
She is responsible for promoting education, tourism, and investment on the island.
Prince Charles will continue to be the Prince of Wales. The ministerial plane Voyager flew in the Caribbean late Sunday night. Scott Furssedonn, Britain’s high-commissar to Barbados was there to greet him.
Mia Motley (Barbarian prime minister) and other military leaders were part of a red carpet that was laid out and introduced to the prince. A Guard of Honour, a military band and Guard of Honour were also part of the welcome group. To mark the arrival of the prince, a 21-gun salute was heard across Grantley Adams International Airport.
In a speech at just after midnight in Bridgetown tonight, the Prince of Wales will highlight the shared goals and enduring bonds between Barbados and the UK during a ceremony marking the Caribbean country’s transition to a republic. After the Royal Standard is lowered, the Presidential Standard (flag pole) will replace it.
Prince Charles (pictured) arrived in the Caribbean via the ministerial plane Voyager on Sunday evening. He was welcomed by Scott Furssedonn, the high commissioner of Britain to Barbados.
He was there for the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from China to China and represented the Queen in Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980.
Barbados will still be part of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is an organisation of former British colonies, which is headed Queen Elizabeth II. Charles will be awarded the Freedom of Barbados for his extraordinary services to Barbados and the Caribbean diaspora.
During the day, protests will be held by some Bajans who are demanding that the UK Government and monarchy apologize for their slavery. There are concerns that some islanders may not be able to vote on this issue. Barbados’ constitution permitted its political leaders freedom to seek independence without the need for a vote.
Barbados was established in 1966 and has held the position of head of government. But the topic of independence has been a matter of debate at all levels of society, with discussions beginning in 1998. Until Tuesday, Barbados is one of the Queen’s 16 realms – countries where she is head of state – and in the Caribbean region other countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent.
Charles will be telling the nation it is important to attend the Bridgetown event to affirm those things that don’t change as the constitutional major shift happens.
The heir to the throne will deliver his address just after midnight, local time, as Barbados begins a new chapter in its history on November 30 – the 55th anniversary of independence from Britain – after its first president Dame Sandra Mason is sworn in.
In a file photo, the Queen is seen meeting with Dame Sandra Mason. As head of state, Dame Sandra Mason will succeed the Queen.
The decision of Barbados to remove Queen Elizabeth as Head of State will be closely watched by the Commonwealth, particularly in the Caribbean.
Charles will say the following during the National Heroes Square ceremony: “As your constitution changes, it was important for me that you join me to affirm those things which don’t change.”
He will go on to give examples of the ties that will remain – ‘the close and trusted partnership between Barbados and the United Kingdom as vital members of the Commonwealth’ and ‘our common determination to defend the values we both cherish and to pursue the goals we share’.
Charles is also expected to celebrate the cultural, social and economic bonds between the UK and Barbados, ‘the myriad connections between the people of our countries – through which flow admiration and affection, co-operation and opportunity – strengthening and enriching us all’.
Barbados will follow other Caribbean countries who also disregarded the Queen as their head-of-state. Guyana was made a republic by her in 1970. Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1976, and Dominica followed two years later.
Jamaica has been vocal in the past about its desire to have an elected head-of-state. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, stated it as a priority for his government. However, it has still not achieved it.
Charles also plans to speak about the importance of the Barbadian diaspora’s contribution in the UK and reaffirm his friendship with the island.
The ceremony will see service personnel march by the prince, giving their last salute to monarchy.