Barbados is kicking out Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, and this was announced last week. The plan is for the queen to be removed next year.
Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state in the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. This will be the first time in 30 years that a commonwealth is getting rid of a monarch.
The queen and the commonwealth
As per ABC News, the Queen is acknowledged as the head of state in countries that were previously under the control of Britain. Now it was reported Queen Elizabeth had been kicked out from the governmental affairs in Barbados.
Barbados Governor-General Sandra Mason revealed through a speech last week that their region is planning to take steps “toward full sovereignty and become a Republic.”
They are hoping that this will happen before the country celebrates its 55th anniversary of independence. The event is set to take place on Nov. 30, 2021, so Queen Elizabeth will be removed before that time comes.
“Having attained Independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance,” Mason said in her speech. “The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State and this is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving.”
Barbados’ wish to become a republic and independent nation
When Queen Elizabeth is dropped next year, Barbados will become the first country in three decades to cut ties with the British monarch. The last nation that did this was Mauritius when it detached itself from the royal family in 1992.
It was said that advocates have been asking to have a Barbadian head of state for years. In their campaigns, they have referred to the Queen’s reign in Barbados as a symbol of imperialism.
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The palace response to the plans of dropping Queen Elizabeth
It was reported that Buckingham Palace was contacted to give comments on the issue. The spokesperson relayed it can’t say anything because the matter is between the people of Barbados and the government.
Meanwhile, Mason clarified that Barbados’ decision is not about eliminating Queen Elizabeth. They also see her as someone great, but they would like to be independent now.
“It’s not about getting rid of the Queen – who could get rid of the Queen?” she said. “She is a wonderful, beautiful lady. The decision to become a republic shouldn’t be taken in the context of us wanting to get rid of the Queen.”
Featured Image Courtesy of The Royal Family/Facebook