Barbados become world's newest Republic, removes queen as their head

Barbados officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and became the newest republic in the world. In an overnight ceremony in the capital Bridgetown, Lady Sandra Mason was sworn in as president.

The Prince of Wales and Barbadian singer Rihanna also attended the event, which coincided with the 55th anniversary of the country's independence.

In a speech, Prince Charles acknowledged the "terrible cruelty of slavery" suffered by the Caribbean island.

The new era for Barbados marks the end of centuries of British influence, including more than 200 years since the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

A final salute was given to the British monarchy, and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced to mark the official change of power.

Speaking as a guest of honour at the event, Prince Charles reiterated the continued relations between the two nations despite the constitutional change.

He described the moment as a new beginning before being awarded the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados by the new president.

The Queen sent the country her "warmest good wishes" for "happiness, peace and prosperity in the future" and said the nation holds a "special place" in her heart.

Lady Sandra Mason, 72, the island's general governor since 2018, was elected as the nation's president after a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as Head of State.

"Ship Republic of Barbados has embarked on her maiden voyage. Can she withstand any storm and land our country and citizens safe on the horizon and shores that are before us," she said after being sworn in.

Barbados announced its plan to become a republic last year, but it remains in the Commonwealth.

Leading national figures, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, took the oath of office in Barbados before the new president at the ceremony, which lasted several hours.

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She later announced that pop star Rihanna would be named by President Mason as the national hero. The artist and businesswoman, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was previously named an ambassador from her home country in 2018.

"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation," Ms Mottley said, referring to one of Rihanna's songs.

In the heat of a Barbados night, the handover ceremony combined pomp and ceremony with a grand party.

It was a show of national pride with a sprinkling of the island's most famous names as VIP guests, including cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and singer Rihanna.

Between them, both sat the Prince of Wales. It must have been a moment of mixed emotion for him - he took the last salute and watched the Royal Standard for the last time when his mother was removed as head of state.

He used his speech to emphasize the pain of slavery and the lasting friendship between the two nations. The mood music from the royal household was positive and pragmatic.

They can not stop a constitutional shift, but they can try to maintain positive relations.