Nearly 400 years after the country became a British colony, Barbados has become the world’s newest republic. The Caribbean island nation removed Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the state in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles, heir to the British throne.

Barbados has become the world's newest republic. The Caribbean island nation removed officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state in a ceremony attended by Prince Charles.

Barbados remained a British colony for nearly 400 years.

Who took over as the new head of Barbados?
Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, who was selected to become the first president of Barbados in October, was sworn in as president in an overnight ceremony in the capital, Bridgetown.

History of Barbados as a British colony and after
Barbados gained its independence in 1966. The country announced its plan to become a republic in 2020, but it will continue to be one of the 54 Commonwealth nations.

Barbados, which was one of England's first slave colonies, was occupied by the English settlers in 1627.