Prince Charles to visit Barbados as Caribbean island becomes a republic
- The former British colony became independent in 1966 but Queen Elizabeth remains head of state, represented by a governor-general
- On November 30 Sandra Mason, the 72-year-old current governor-general of Barbados, will be sworn in as its first president
Prince Charles will attend ceremonies in Barbados later this month as the Caribbean island officially becomes a republic, dropping his mother Queen Elizabeth as head of state, his office said Friday.
The former British colony became independent in 1966 but the queen, 95, remains head of state, represented by a governor-general.
On November 30 – the 55th anniversary of independence – Sandra Mason, the 72-year-old current governor-general of Barbados, will be sworn in as its first president.
Charles, 72, will be the guest of honour at the celebrations on the invitation of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, his personal office at Clarence House said.
It said the invitation reflected the fact that Charles will become the head of the Commonwealth when he becomes king. Barbados will remain within the 54-nation grouping.
The island, which has a population of just under 300,000, was claimed by the British in 1625. It has sometimes been called “Little England” for its loyalty to British customs.