BARBADOS HAS officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state and made the historic transition into a republic last night.

The televised ceremony, held overnight in the capital Bridgetown, saw Dame Sandra Mason sworn in as the country’s first president.

The highly-anticipated ceremony was attended by Prince Charles and signified the nation’s severing of ties with the monarchy after an almost 400 year colonial history while marking its 55th year of independence from Britain.

In a speech at the ceremony, Prince Charles acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our histories” and called the UK’s part in the trans-Atlantic slave trade as “darkest days of our past,” before expressing new hope for the nation and its future with Britain.

He said: “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.”

He was later awarded the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados by President Mason during the seven-hour ceremony.

The Queen, who first visited the island in 1966, sent her well wishes on what is hailed as historic day for Barbadians everywhere.

“On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first president of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians,” she sad.

“I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today.

“Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightly proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom.”

She added: “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.

“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.

“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. Elizabeth R.”

Barbados announced its plans to become a republic last year, when Prime Minister Mia Mottley said that the country wanted to “fully leave our colonial past behind” in a written speech to the nation.

Other Caribbean nations, such as Jamaica have been tipped to follow suit while still expecting to remain as part of the Commonwealth along with Barbados.

The ceremony was attended singer and ambassador to Barbados, Rihanna who was made a National Hero of the island.

In reference to one of the star’s hit songs, Ms Mottley said: “May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions.”