Royalty will be among the invited guests to Barbados on Nov. 30 when the Caribbean island transitions to a republic. Along with prime ministers and presidents who will represent their nations, Britain’s Prince Charles has accepted an invitation from the island’s prime minister to join in the historic celebration.
In an official statement issued recently by the British High Commissioner – the Prince of Wales confirmed his attendance, which will welcome Barbados as a member nation within the Commonwealth.
“The Prime Minister of Barbados, The honorable Mia Amor Mottley, extended an invitation to The Prince, as future Head of the Commonwealth, to be guest of honor at the Republic celebration events,” the statement read.
In his role as head of the commonwealth nations, the heir to the British throne will officially acknowledge the transition relieving the Crown from deciding all matters pertaining to the island as well as formally greet the newest member nation to join the association of 54 independent nations and former members of the British empire.
King George VI was the first head of the Commonwealth. HRH the Queen replaced him 1952 after her coronation.
Although the duty is not based on hereditary, Price Charles became a benefactor in 2018 when leaders met at Windsor Castle following an announcement that he would be successor and head of the group of nations.
On that occasion the queen said it was her “sincere wish” that her son, the Prince of Wales should succeed her.
Prince Charles will formally recognize the new status Barbados will hold as a member nation once they remove the monarch as head of state.
“His Royal Highness will also undertake a short program of engagements in Barbados,” the statement continued.
No details were released.
Barbados along with 15 countries was considered Commonwealth realms. Although independent they still recognize the British sovereign as head of state.
They include: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Belize; Canada; Grenada; Jamaica; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Solomon Islands; and Tuvalu.
Fourteen months ago, the queen’s representative and official Governor General Sandra Mason reported that Buckingham Palace would respect the wishes of the 300,000 population to sever colonial ties.
“The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Buckingham Palace said the issue was a matter for the people of Barbados” to decide.
On the last day of the month, Mason will assume her new role as president of the country.
More than likely, pop royalty Rihanna, and Barbados’ own music monarch will be among the specially invited guests of honor.
