Which country removed Queen Elizabeth as head of state?

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth was removed as head of state in this former colony?

The former British colony of Barbados announced in 2021 that it was removing Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. 

The island in the Caribbean outlined its plans to become a republic as a means of moving past its colonial history.

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Queen Elizabeth

Britain's colonial past is well documented. Dozens of states around the world were ravaged by the British army and colonized. The Commonwealth is a testament to that and receives harsh criticism every year. Prince Harry himself spoke previously about the need for the United Kingdom to move past its colonial roots in order for a better future. 

The Governor-General of Barbados Sandra Mason made a speech on behalf of Prime Minister Mia Mottley, where the decision to break away from the UK was formalized. 

In what has been dubbed the 'Throne Speech', Mason explained that after almost 50 years of life as an independent state, the 'time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind.' 

He also said 'Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence.' The Barbados Day of Independence falls on the 30th of November. 

At the time, the Queen sent the country her "warmest good wishes" for "happiness, peace, and prosperity in the future" and said the nation held a "special place" in her heart.

*Originally published in 2021. Updated in 2023.