What Rihanna's Barbados 'National Hero' Award Actually Means

Barbados has become the world's newest republic after officially removing the Queen as its head of state after 400 years of colonial history.

Popstar and entrepreneur Rihanna, full name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was in attendance, alongside Prince Charles, who was representing the United Kingdom.

During the ceremony to celebrate Barbados becoming a republic, Prince Charles gave a passionate speech about the importance of the UK-Barbados friendship, whilst also acknowledging the 'appalling atrocity of slavery' at the hands of the UK and the transatlantic slave trade.

However, much of the focus was on Rihanna, 33, and the prestigious 'National Hero' Award she was presented by Prime Minister Mia Motley. Newsweek has everything you need to know about the title and what it means.

What Rihanna's Barbados 'National Hero' Award Actually Means

Barbados's new Prime Minister, Mia Motley made Rihanna a national hero as Barbados celebrated its new status as a republic last night.

The title National Hero is a National Honour that derives from the national honors system of Barbados.

The Order of National Heroes was established in April 1998 under The Order of National Heroes Act 1998 by the Parliament of Barbados, signed by Prime Minister Owen Seymour Arthur.

The award was set up solely to recognize the most influential and successful figures in Barbados's history.

Those who are awarded the title will be referred to as National Heroes and addressed as "The Right Excellent" meaning Rihanna's official title is now The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

The Right Excellent Rihanna joins Sir Garfield Sobers, who is widely considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, as the only two living figures who have the title.

Previous National Heroes of Barbados, awarded the honor mainly posthumously, include:

• 19th century social and religious leader Sarah Ann Gill
• Bussa, the leader of the largest slave revolt in Barbadian history
• Samuel Jackman Prescod, the founder of the Liberal party in Barbados
• Labor Rights activist Charles Duncan O'Neal
• Politicians Sir Grantley Herbert Adams and Sir Hugh Worrell Springer
• Trade Unionist Clement Osbourne Payne
• Errol Barrow, The First Prime Minister of Barbados
• Cricketer Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers
• Trade Unionist and Politician Sir Frank Leslie Walcott

National Heroes Day is celebrated on April 28, and there is even a Barbados National Heroes Gallery, located in the museum of Parliament, where Rihanna's portrait soon will be hanging.

Earlier this year, the Barbados government asked the people of Barbados to nominate people they thought were eligible to be awarded the honor by sending a letter to the Division of Culture, detailing who they are nominating and why.

Ultimately, the winner was Rihanna, who was appointed an official ambassador for culture and youth back in 2018.

Awarding Rihanna the title on the first day of the Barbados Republic, Prime Minister Mia Motley said: "On behalf of a grateful nation and an even prouder people, we therefore, present to you the designee for National Hero of Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty.

Motley even made a subtle reference to Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds" as part of her speech.

After Rihanna made her way to the stage, Motley addressed the crowd by saying "May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your words, by your actions."