<span style="color: #222222;">At midnight, the Caribbean island Barbados will become the world's newest republic and in doing so removes the Queen as its head of state.<br />'' <br />'' Buckingham Palace says it respects the decision of Barbados, but beneath the public statements emphasizing enduring friendships, there will be some unease.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Prince of Wales has flown into Barbados for Monday's handover ceremony in National Heroes Square as a representative of the Queen but also in his role as her successor as head of the Commonwealth – Barbados will remain in the Commonwealth. Prince Charles will see a final salute to the British monarchy and watch as the Queen's standard is lowered.<br />'' <br />'' Republicanism has been rumbling for some time in Barbados. Prime Minister Mia Mottley described it as a chance for the island to assert itself and show greater self-confidence. She said it was time to fully leave our colonial past.</span><br />''