By Vinette K. Pryce
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
Caribbean Life, N 20 OVEMBER 12-18, 2021
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
Britain’s Prince Charles looks on during a visit to view two
alternative fuel green trains at Glasgow Central Station, as
part of Network Rail’s ‘Green Trains @ COP26’ event, in
Glasgow, Scotland, Britain Nov. 5, 2021. Jane Barlow/Pool via
REUTERS
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.
Future King of England will be
guest of honor in Barbados
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