Barbados bids farewell to British monarchy, swears in first president as republic
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David McD Crichlow/AP
Barbados' new President Sandra Mason, center right, awards Prince Charles with the Order of Freedom of Barbados during the presidential inauguration ceremony in Bridgetown, Barbados on Tuesday Nov. 30, 2021. Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday as it shed another vestige of its colonial past and became a republic for the first time in history.(AP Photo / David McD Crichlow)
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The island of Barbados has said goodbye to the British monarchy.
The Associated Press reported that the Caribbean island has become a republic for the first time and removed Queen Elizabeth as its head of state.
Prince Charles, who arrived on Sunday, was there to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Sandra Mason, who became the island's first-ever president Tuesday. The 72-year-old was elected last month by the Barbadian parliament, the AP reported.
David McD Crichlow/AP
Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley, front, talks with Prince Charles during the presidential inauguration ceremony in Bridgetown, Barbados on Tuesday Nov. 30, 2021. Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday as it shed another vestige of its colonial past and became a republic for the first time in history.(AP Photo / David McD Crichlow)
The spectacular ceremony was also attended by pop star Rihanna, one of the most famous people from the island country. The singer was also declared a national hero at the event.
AP
In this image made from video provided by Prime Minister's office, Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley, left, former cricketer Garfield Sobers, center left, President Sandra Mason, center, singer Rihanna Fenty, center right, and Prince Charles, right, attend the presidential inauguration ceremony in Bridgetown, Barbados on Tuesday Nov. 30, 2021. Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday as it shed another vestige of its colonial past and became a republic for the first time in history. (Prime Minister's Office via AP)
According to CNN, Barbados was first settled by Britain in 1627. It gained independence from Great Britain in November 1966.
The AP reported that the island didn't need to be granted permission to become a republic, but it will remain a member of the Commonwealth Realm.
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