Nearly 400 years after the country became a British colony, Barbados has become the world’s newest republic.
At, Chamberlain Bridge in the capital, Bridgetown. A 21 gun salute fired as the national anthem of Barbados was played over a crowded Heroes Square.
The Caribbean island nation removed Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles.
Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, who was selected to become the first president of Barbados last month, took over as the President of the country.
Barbados, which is said to have been made a ‘slave society’ by the British, first became an English colony when a ship arrived at the Caribbean in 1625
No plans to change the flags, coat of arms, national pledge or national anthem. However, the terms “royal” and “crown” would be dropped from all official references
Barbadian singer Rihanna was declared a national hero by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the leader of Barbados' republican movement.
"The creation of this republic offers a new beginning," said Prince Charles, whose mother sent her warmest wishes.