Pop star Rihanna has emerged as the most popular choice to replace Queen Elizabeth as head of state, following the announcement that Barbados will become a republic in 2021.
The 32-year-old Grammy-winning singer, born and raised in Barbados as Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has been chosen by her fans after Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Tuesday that it's time a Barbadian becomes its head of state. Mottley also said that this shift will allow the island to leave its colonial past behind.
Thrilled by the development, one fan posted on Twitter that the decision is an "important step" to make Rihanna the "God Empress of Barbados." Another fan said that the world will finally know that the singer has been the "true sovereign of Barbados" all along.
While the comments might seem lighthearted and fun for the fans, Rihanna's artistry and service to the community in Barbados has been highly recognized by her countrymen, according to Fox News. The street where she spent her childhood was renamed Rihanna Drive. She was also named Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in 2018 to help promote tourism, investment and eduction in Barbados.
Barbados was seized by the British in the 1600s and was part of the colony until 1966, when it received its independence from the United Kingdom. However, the island remains connected to Her Majesty as its non-political but constitutionally recognized head of state. That will change in November 2021 when Barbados celebrates its 55th Independence Day and becomes a republic.
The British Foreign Office said, however, that Barbados and the United Kingdom will continue their partnership in the Commonwealth despite the shift. A spokesperson said that Queen Elizabeth has no say in the decision of its people and that this wasn't shocking news, as government leaders have been pushing for the changes for some time.
Royal commentator Charlie Proctor said on Twitter that Barbados' reasonable decision seemed to prove that Prince Harry was right. The Duke of Sussex had said in a virtual conference in July that the British people's colonial past thrived on racism and bias. He said that the Commonwealth should recognize and acknowledge these mistakes to move forward.
Critics of the Sussex royals lashed out on Prince Harry for his statement as it was seen as disrespectful to his grandmother, the head of the Commonwealth. Reports cited that the duke's words stung Queen Elizabeth but some royal observers think that Her Majesty understood the context of her grandson's statement about the UK's colonialism.
