Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados as island becomes republic
Rihanna: What you need to know On May 19, Rihanna had her first baby with ASAP Rocky. (NCD)
ByMichelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, designer, beauty mogul and actress Rihanna has another title to add to her résumé: national hero of Barbados.
According to The New York Times and Reuters, the honor came early Tuesday as Barbados officially became a republic and removed Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. In an overnight ceremony in Bridgetown, Sandra Mason, 72, was sworn in as president as hundreds looked on, including the pop star and Britain’s Prince Charles.
Prayers are said before Barbados’ National Pledge - also in attendance tonight is singer and businesswoman @rihanna, who received the honour of National Hero at the ceremony. pic.twitter.com/Iz2KIwEDJw
— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) November 30, 2021
Prime Minister Mia Mottley also declared Rihanna a national hero at the ceremony, saying the 33-year-old demonstrated an “extraordinary commitment to the land of her birth,” the Times reported.
But Rihanna, who was born in Saint Michael, wasn’t the only one honored. Charles was awarded Barbados’ Order of Freedom, as well.
“Tonight, you write the next chapter of your nation’s story,” said Charles, the heir to the British throne. “You are the guardians of your heritage.”
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Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Rihanna, honored as a National Hero, attends the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley (left) and President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason (right), honor Rihanna as a National Hero during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Jeff J Mitchell - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, former cricketer Garfield Sobers, President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, Rihanna and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, stand during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados The president of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, and Rihanna stand during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Rihanna, honored as a National Hero, and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Singer Rihanna looks on at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Rihanna and former cricketer Garfield Sobers hug during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Rihanna, honored as a National Hero, attends the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley (left) and President of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason (right), honor Rihanna as a National Hero during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Jeff J Mitchell - Pool/Getty Images)
Photos: Rihanna honored as national hero in Barbados Former cricketer Garfield Sobers and Rihanna, who was honored as a National Hero, attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony at Heroes Square on November 30, 2021, in Bridgetown, Barbados. (Jeff J Mitchell - Pool/Getty Images)
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