[VIDEO] All hail queen Rihanna: Singer a national hero as Barbados splits from UK
|Published
HONOURED: Rihanna
Move over Queen Elizabeth II, Barbados has a new leading lady and her name is Rihanna.
The singer was named a national hero of her home country on Monday night, at a ceremony marking the Caribbean nation’s split from the United Kingdom to become its own republic.
Riri, 33, received the honour from Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you, the designee, for national hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty,” Mottley, 56, said at the event, which Prince Charles attended.
“May you continue to shine like a diamond and continue to bring honour to your nation by your words, by your actions, and to do credit wherever you shall go,” the politician added.
All eyes were on the lingerie mogul, who dazzled in a one-shouldered, orange Bottega Veneta gown with strappy beige heels and a black face mask.
Rihanna is among an exclusive group of just 11 Barbadians who have been named national heroes – and she is the second woman to receive the honour.
Charles, 73, spoke at the ceremony in Riri’s home city of Bridgetown as Dame Sandra Mason replaced his mother as Barbados’ head of state.
“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,” the Prince of Wales said.
“Emancipation, self-government and independence were your waypoints. 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.”