LONDON (CU)_ In March 2019, Prince Charles made an official visit to Barbados, and carried out a host of engagements as the future head of state of the Caribbean nation. This year, His Royal Highness will return to the island on very different terms, following an invitation extended by Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
Clarence House announced on Friday that the Prince of Wales will make a solo trip to the Caribbean island at the end of this month to join the country as it celebrates its transition to a Republic. According to a statement issued by the royal residence, the future Head of the Commonwealth will be attending the event Guest of Honour and will undertake a few engagements during his visit.
“HRH The Prince of Wales will visit Barbados to mark Barbados’s transition to a Republic within the Commonwealth. 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,” the statement read.
In September last year, Barbados announced its intention to become a Republic, a process which involves the removal of Queen Elizabeth as the country’s head of state. “The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” the Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, said at the time. Buckingham Palace responded to the announcement saying it was a matter for the people of Barbados. Last month, the Caribbean nation elected Dame Mason as the country’s first President, who will be sworn in at celebrations on 30 November.
Meanwhile, the Queen will continue to maintain relations with Barbados, as the head of the Commonwealth, a role which will be taken over by Prince Charles one day.
