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Prince Charles falls asleep during Barbados republic ceremony
He flew in especially for the occasion but it appears Prince Charles fell asleep during the ceremony to mark Barbados becoming a republic.
Barbados ditched Queen Elizabeth as head of state, forging a new republic with its first-ever president and severing its last remaining colonial bonds with Britain.
At the strike of midnight on Tuesday, the new republic was born to the cheers of hundreds of people lining Chamberlain Bridge in the capital, Bridgetown.
However it seems the late ceremony time got the better of the 73-year-old future king, with Charles appearing to nod off during a dazzling display of Barbadian dance and music.
In a video circulating online, Prince Charles’ head can be seen bobbing down before it finally drops for a few seconds.
It doesn’t take long for Charles to realise though and within seconds he’s back up enjoying the festivities.
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Barbados has officially removed the Queen as its head of state and become the world's newest republic.
Prince Charles was in attendance for the ceremony, during which he appeared to fall asleep. pic.twitter.com/wAZayjV1dx— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) November 30, 2021
In a speech at the ceremony, Prince Charles said: "The creation of this republic offers a new beginning," he said.
"From the darkest days of our past and the apalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude."
In a message to the new president, the 95-year-old Queen sent her congratulations to Barbadians who she said have held a special place in her heart.
"I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future," she said.
Barbadian singer Rihanna also attended the ceremony and was declared a national hero.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that the 33-year-old would be conferred with the honour of National Hero of Barbados to cheers.
Rihanna was called up before the crowds to be congratulated by Mottley.
"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions," Mottley told Rihanna, a reference to her 2012 chart-topping single Diamonds.
With additional reporting by AAP
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