Replace her!’ Twitter users insist Rihanna should be named QUEEN of Barbados after it’s announced that Queen Elizabeth is to be removed as head of state

September 17, 2020

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Barbados plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state by 2021
Dozens of people have taken to Twitter to proclaim that Barbadian singer Rihanna should be named queen of her home country
Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown, where she was discovered by a record producer as a teen
In 2018, the singer was named ‘Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaryin’ for Barbados, a role that involves promoting education, tourism, and investment
The superstar was also honored by having the street she grew up on renamed Rihanna Drive in her honor in 2007.

As Barbados announces plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state by the end of next year, social media users are calling for Barbadian singer Rihanna to replace her on the throne.

On Wednesday, the Caribbean island’s government said that ‘the time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,’ and that includes removing the Queen as head of state and becoming a republic by November 2021.

In response, dozens of social media users have taken to Twitter to proclaim that Rihanna — who was born in Saint Michael and raised in Bridgetown — should be named queen.

Royal: After it was announced that Barbados plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, dozens of people took to Twitter to say Barbadian singer Rihanna should be queen.

Moving on: On Wednesday, the Caribbean island’s government announced plans to becoming a republic by November 2021. The Queen is pictured in Barbados in 1977

‘I’m calling it now. Rihanna for queen of Barbados!’ one fan tweeted, sharing a GIF of the pop star placing a crown on her head.

Replace her with Rihanna, you cowards!’ another insisted, while someone else asked: ‘Can they replace her with Her Excellency Rihanna?’

‘All stand for the true Queen of Barbados, Rihanna,’ one fan commented.

Many agreed that when it comes to queens, Rihanna is the only one the nation needs.

‘Anyway. Barbados already has a Queen and her name is @rihanna,’ noted Simon Naitram, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, which is located on the island.

In 2018, Rihanna was named ‘Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaryin’ for her home country. She is pictured at the Kadooment Day parade in Barbados in 2019

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When she accepted the new title, Rihanna said in a statement that she ‘couldn’t be more proud to take on such a prestigious title’ in her home country.

‘Every Barbadian is going to have to play their role in this current effort, and I’m ready and excited to take on the responsibility,’ she added. ‘I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mottley and her team to re-imagine Barbados.’

The superstar was also honored by having the street she grew up on renamed Rihanna Drive in her honor in 2017.

Looking back: The Queen is pictured with Governor-General of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason at Windsor Castle in 2018

A speech written by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and read by Governor-General Dame Sandra Mason said: ‘The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind. Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State.

‘This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence.’

Asked to comment on the Commonwealth country’s plans a palace spokesman said: ‘This is a matter for the government and people of Barbados.’

The Prime Minister’s Office also agreed that it was a ‘decision for Barbados and the government there,’ but added that Britain will continue to ‘enjoy a partnership’ with the Caribbean island nation as members of the Commonwealth.