Prince Charles arrives in Barbados as nation becomes a republic

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Prince Charles has touched down in Barbados to witness the Caribbean nation cut ties with the British royal family.

The small island nation is becoming a republic, removing the Queen as head of state and swearing in their first president during a ceremony to mark the transition.

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The heir to the throne will deliver an address in which he will tell the nation it is “important” for him to attend the event to “reaffirm those things which do not change” as the major constitutional shift takes place.

Prince Charles arrives at Bridgetown Airport ahead of Barbados’s transition to a republic.
Prince Charles arrives at Bridgetown Airport ahead of Barbados’s transition to a republic. Credit: Getty Images

Charles landed on a RAF plane at Grantley Adams airport on Monday night and was greeted with a 21-gun salute.

Barbadian prime minister Mia Mottley, president-elect Dame Sandra Mason and military chiefs lined a red carpet to welcome him.

He will watch on at the ceremony, being staged in the capital Bridgetown on Tuesday, as the the former British colony breaks its last remaining imperial bond with Britain.

At the ceremony, the prince will say: “As your constitutional status changes, it was important to me that I should join you to reaffirm those things which do not change.

“For example; the close and trusted partnership between Barbados and the United Kingdom as vital members of the Commonwealth; our common determination to defend the values we both cherish and to pursue the goals we share; and the myriad connections between the people of our countries… strengthening and enriching us all.”

Prince Charles is greeted by Dame Sandra Mason as he arrives at Bridgetown Airport.
Prince Charles is greeted by Dame Sandra Mason as he arrives at Bridgetown Airport. Credit: Getty Images

The Royal Standard will be lowered and Dame Sandra will then be officially sworn in as the first president of Barbados before the Presidential Standard is raised.

The move by Barbados, which will remain a part of the Commonwealth, will be watched closely by other members of the Commonwealth especially in the Caribbean region.

Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit Barbados in 1977.
Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh visit Barbados in 1977. Credit: Getty Images

The Queen has been Barbados’s head of state since it became independent in 1966 but the issue of becoming a republic has been discussed for decades.

Barbados is one of the Queen’s 16 realms – countries where she is head of state – with other countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Jamaica.

– With AAP

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