The Prince of Wales visits Barbados to mark the country's transition to a republic within The Commonwealth

Sunday 28th November:

The Prince of Wales has arrived in Barbados ahead of the country's transition to a republic within The Commonwealth.

Received by Resa Layne, Chief of Protocol, and His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Wood, British High Commissioner to Barbados, His Royal Highness observed a Guard of Honour on the tarmac which was followed by a twenty-one gun salute.

The Prime Minister of Barbados, The Honourable 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.

Monday 29th November:

Met by a mounted Guard of Honour, The Prince of Wales joined Barbados for the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square. During the ceremony, there was a march past, a final salute to the Monarchy and a short video on Barbados's history was played. 

The Royal Standard was lowered and at midnight, Dame Sandra Mason was officially sworn in by the Chief Justice, Sir Patterson Cheltenham, as the first President of Barbados. As the Presidential Standard was raised, the new President presented New Colours, followed by a twenty-one gun salute.

In a speech at the Ceremony, His Royal Highness said:

Tonight you write the next chapter of your nation’s story, adding to the treasury of past achievement, collective enterprise and personal courage which already fill its pages.

"This is an occasion to reaffirm the friendship I have enjoyed with Barbados since I first visited the island over fifty years ago and then, again, while serving in the Royal Navy on the then West Indies station. Across the decades, I have admired so much of what you have achieved and all you have come to represent. I have heard your voice in the world grow louder, advocating with clarity, passion and authority on issues of global significance."

Read The Prince's speech in full here.

The Prince of Wales late received the The Order of Freedom of Barbados - Barbados’ highest-ranking honour.