Prince Charlestraveled to Barbados for the transition ceremony, during which he made a speech acknowledging the “darkest days of our past” and the “appalling atrocity of slavery.” Britain’s role in the Caribbean slave trade, he said, “forever stains our histories.” He also paid tribute to the way in which the people of Barbados “forged their path with extraordinary fortitude,” adding, “Emancipation, self-government and independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides.” The Prince of Wales looked on as the Royal Standard was lowered for the last time in the capital of Bridgetown, with a 21-gun salute just after midnight marking the next chapter for Barbados. Midnight was also the moment in which Barbados’ former governor-general Sandra Mason was inaugurated as the new republic’s first-ever president. An investiture ceremony for Barbados’ most famous daughter Rihanna declared the popstar a national hero of Barbados. Prime minister Mia Mottley told her, “May you continue to shine like a diamond”—a reference to Rihanna’s 2021 hit single ‘Diamonds.’ She went on, “On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.” Rihanna looked stunning in an orange silk halter-neck dress by Bottega Veneta. Next up, The Queen Watched Baptism of her Two Great-Grandsons in Rare Double Royal Christening at Windsor
