Prince Charles to visit as island transitions to republican status
BRITAIN’S PRINCE of Wales is to visit Barbados to participate in the island’s transition to a republic on November 30, according to an official statement issued by the British High Commission on Friday.
“The Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley extended an invitation to the prince, as future head of the Commonwealth, to be guest of honour at the republic celebration events. His Royal Highness will also undertake a short programme of engagements in Barbados,”the brief statement noted.
Prince Charles’ last visit to Barbados was in March 2019 during a Caribbean tour with the Duchess of Cornwall, the statement said, adding that “the royal household will take all necessary measures to comply with COVID-19 regulations and guidance in Barbados during the course of this event”.
Earlier this month, Barbados legislators elected 72-year-old Governor General Dame Sandra Prunella Mason to be the first ever president as the island moves to end its political relationship with Britain and adopt a republican status on November 30, its independence day.
Dame Sandra had been nominated by both Mottley and Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley to replace Queen Elizabeth II as Barbados’ head of state.
A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados, with a population of just under 300,000, had long maintained ties with the British monarchy. But calls for full sovereignty and homegrown leadership have risen in recent years.
Dame Sandra will be sworn in on the country’s 55th anniversary of independence from Britain, and Mottley called the election of a president“a seminal moment”in the country’s journey.