Barbados Witch Queen as Head of State, declares national hero Rihanna – The Hollywood Reporter
Barbados has a new queen. Sort.
On Monday, the Caribbean nation officially severed political and ceremonial ties with the United Kingdom to become the world’s newest republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. At a National Pride ceremony in Bridgetown, Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley also proclaimed singer, actress and billionaire businessman Rihanna a National Hero.
“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your country with your work, with your actions,” Mottley told Rihanna, in a nod to the hit single. 2012 global visitor “Diamonds”.
Rihanna, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born in Saint Michael and grew up in the capital, Bridgetown before moving to the US to pursue a music career, becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time. She became the second woman to be declared a national hero of Barbados and the 11th in total. Honor allows Rihanna to use the title Right of Honor in front of her name.
Formerly part of the British Empire, Barbados declared independence in 1966, but Queen Elizabeth II continued her role as head of state. Despite its status as a republic, Barbados will remain within the Commonwealth of Nations.
