Rihanna Declared a National Hero of Barbados at Country's First Event as a Republic

Rihanna just received a huge honor!

The 33-year-old singer was honored as her home country’s 11th-ever National Hero during an event on Monday night (November 29) in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The event also served as the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for the country’s first-ever president, Dame Sandra Mason. Barbados has formally removed Queen Elizabeth as its head of state, transitioning from a Commonwealth to a republic.

Prince Charles was in attendance to mark Barbados’ exit from the Commonwealth.

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“The creation of this republic offers a new beginning,” Charles said. “From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the leader of Barbados’ republican movement, honored Rihanna with her National Hero prize.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation by your works, by your actions,” Mottley said.

Watch a video below, via Rihanna‘s Clara Lionel Foundation.

FYI: Rihanna is wearing Bottega Veneta.