Rihanna and Prince Charles attend ceremony in Barbados after the nation severed ties with the royal family

Barbados on Tuesday celebrated the severing of ties with Queen Elizabeth II and becoming the last independent republic in the Caribbean with a ceremony in front of thousands that included remarks from Prince Charles and an honor for Rihanna, from Barbados .

The nation officially ended 396 years of British monarchy rule on the island after announcing in September that Queen Elizabeth would be stripped of her post as head of state.

At the stroke of midnight, Sandra Mason, 72, a former governor general, was sworn in as the country’s first president with a 21-gun salute during a ceremony in the capital Bridgetown.

The Queen was represented by her son, Prince Charles, who spoke briefly about the momentous change and spoke of the island’s dark colonial past under British rule. Barbados gained independence from England in 1966.

“I am so deeply touched that you should have invited me to return to Barbados and join you on behalf of the Queen at this moment so important to your remarkable nation,” he said. “The creation of this republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum. A step on the long road that you have not only traveled, but that you have built from the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which stains our history forever. “

Barbados will remain a member of the Commonwealth, a political association of 54 countries with ties to the former British Empire.

The Queen has visited Barbados several times since her first trip in 1966, but did not travel for Tuesday’s ceremony. The 95-year-old monarch has been limiting her schedule since a hospital stay in October.

“The people of Barbados hold a special place in my heart; it is a country rightly proud of its vibrant culture, sporting prowess and natural beauty, which attracts visitors from all over the world, including many from the UK. “the queen said in a statement.

“As you mark this momentous day, I extend my warmest wishes to you and all Barbadians for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future.”

Also in the crowd was the island’s most prominent native, Rihanna, who was born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown. She was honored to be named the National Hero of Barbados at Tuesday’s ceremony.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and honor your nation by your works, by your actions,” Prime Minister Mia Mottley told her.

Returning to London, the Royal Family continued to gain attention with a new book and a two-part BBC documentary involving Prince Harry and Prince William.

The BBC film, titled “The Princes and the Press”, examines the intense media coverage of the brothers. In a rare move, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace have released a joint statement to the BBC.

“A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance for a healthy democracy,” said members of the royal family. BBC, gives them credibility.

The royal family also refuted reports of Prince Charles and his sons in author Christopher Andersen’s new book “Brothers and Wives”, which appeared exclusively on TODAY on Monday.