Queen breaks silence as she is replaced as Barbados' Head of State

The Queen has spoken about being replaced as Head of State by President Dame Sandra Mason as she makes a statement on social media.

• The Queen has made a statement about being replaced as Head of State of Barbados.
• The Queen was Head of State since she first came to the throne in 1953.
• In other royal news, Carole Middleton reveals the silly Christmas prank she plays on her royal grandchildren. 

Her Majesty the Queen has sent a message to the people of Barbados as it becomes a Republic within the Commonwealth and replaces the Queen as the Head of State. 

The Queen was gracious and congratulated the country as they made this historic step. Her Majesty was also keen to establish that the republic will remain a close ally of the UK. 

"On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians," read the message from the Queen.

"I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today," said the Queen as she reference Prince Charles' arrival in Barbados.

"Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart; it is a country rightfully proud of its vibrant culture, its sporting prowess, and its natural beauty, that attracts visitors from all over the world, including many people from the United Kingdom."

"Over the years, our countries have enjoyed a partnership based on common values, shared prosperity, and close collaboration on a wide range of issues, including recent work on climate change. It is also a source of great satisfaction that Barbados remains an active participant within the Commonwealth, and I look forward to the continuation of the friendship between our two countries and peoples."

"As you celebrate this momentous day, I send you and all Barbadians my warmest good wishes for your happiness, peace, and prosperity in the future."

The images accompanying the post showed the Queen arriving in Barbados during her visit in 1966.

The next slide showed The Prince of Wales, as the future Head of the Commonwealth, attending last night's Republic Celebration events with President Dame Sandra Mason.

Although the Queen's message was kind and spoke about a continued relationship, reports have suggested that the Queen and Prince Charles feel 'sadness' and ‘regret’ over this severed tie to the monarchy.

Which countries recognize the Queen as Head of State?

The Queen is still Head of State for many countries. The 15 countries that still recognize the Queen as Head of State are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Tuvalu, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and of course, the United Kingdom. 

However, Australia and Jamaica have had talks about keeping the Queen as Head of State and it is unknown if she will be replaced in years to come.

Other countries to recently replace the Queen as Head of State include; Mauritius in 1992, Dominica in 1978, Trinidad and Tobago in 1976, and Guyana in 1970.

Unlike a President, the Queen's power as Head of State is purely ceremonial. In the UK the Queen must sign off on some parliamentary decisions, but her power is little more than a formality that exists because of a bygone era when the monarchy had greater power.