Queen Elizabeth is sending well wishes to Barbados.
The country is the world’s newest republic after The Queen, 95, was removed as head of state. The island nation cut ties with her Monday in an official ceremony.
Barbados President Sandra Mason, who previously served as governor-general, is currently head of state. The Queen congratulated her in a letter.
“On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first president of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians,” the Queen wrote.
“Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change,” she continued.
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“It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and peoples.”
The Queen ended her note with “warmest wishes,” writing, “As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace and prosperity in the future,” and signing the letter, “Elizabeth R.”
Barbados first gained independence from Britain in 1966. And in September, the nation announced that they would be removing Queen Elizabeth as head of state. This ended nearly 400 years of British rule Monday, per The New York Times.
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The Queen did not attend the Monday ceremony, however, Prince Charles flew into Barbados for the event to represent the British monarch. His appearance marked the first time a senior member of the royal family has attended such a handover ceremony.
In his speech, Charles pointed to Britain’s role in the slave trade and the country’s part in trafficking people from Africa, Barbados and the Caribbean, informing attendees, “From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.”
He added, “Emancipation, self-government and independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides. Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.”