Barbados cuts ties to the British monarchy to declare world's newest republic

The move sees the end of centuries of British influence over the island nation, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834.

Sandra Mason is sworn in as the President of Barbados. Source: Press Association

Barbados has formally declared itself the world's newest republic, as the Caribbean island nation removed Queen Elizabeth as head of state.

The Royal Standard flag representing the Queen was lowered during a ceremony in which the current governor-general, Dame Sandra Mason, was inaugurated as the first president of Barbados.

The new era for the nation of 285,000 marked the end of Britain's centuries of influence, including more than 200 years of slavery until 1834.

A long-running pandemic curfew was suspended to allow Barbadians to enjoy the festivities, including projections at various points across the country and large fireworks displays timed to mark the historic transition at midnight local time (3pm AEDT).

The Queen's Standard was removed during the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Source: Press Association

The Pride of Nationhood ceremony itself was closed to the wider public but Barbados' most famous citizen, the singer Rihanna, was present alongside the Prince of Wales and other officials for the event, which included military parades, a mounted guard of honour and gun salutes.

Anastasia Smith, a 61-year-old nurse, told AFP the move to become a republic was a "proud moment for Barbados".

She added: "I remember in the old days we would be really excited about the Queen and Prince Charles and Princess Diana and royal weddings.

"But I don't know if we ever quite saw them as our royal family. Now, everybody is talking about a republic.

"I'm not sure that anything about my life is going to change. But I think we're doing the right thing and it's a proud moment for Barbados."

The Prince of Wales was in attendance at the ceremony. Source: Press Association

The country, famous for its idyllic beaches and love of cricket, gained independence from Britain in 1966.

In October, it elected Dame Sandra its first president, one year after Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared the country would "fully" leave behind its colonial past.

Speaking last week, Ms Mottley said: "The symbolism of being able to aspire to become head of state is so powerful.

"Our president-elect, who will be sworn in on Monday night ... is the person who will bring immense pride to every Barbadian boy and girl."