The Queen, 94, is currently head of state of 16 countries, including Australia, Canada and several other island nations in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced plans to take back control of “full sovereignty” before the 55th anniversary of independence from the UK in November 2021.
If the plans come into fruition, Barbados would join Guyana, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago in removing the Queen as head of state.
Former butler for the Royal Household Grant Harrold fears a further royal exodus could be “likely” in the future, especially with neighbouring Commonwealth nations.
The former butler for the Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011, told Express.co.uk: “It is likely that other countries will follow Barbados in removing the Queen as their head of state, particularly their neighbouring fellow commonwealth countries.”
Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966, but the Queen has remained as its constitutional monarch.
Mr Harrold insists members of the Royal Family will be saddened if Barbados presses ahead with the decision and stated it will represent an “end of an era”.
He added: “This would be a very little impact upon the Royal Family in general.
“However, I am sure there will be members of the Royal Family that will be sad at this decision as it is an end of an era.
“But I am sure they would support and understand why some countries may decide to do this.”
Guyana became a republic 1970 less than four years after gaining independence from Britain.
Trinidad and Tobago followed suit in 1976 and Dominica in 1978.
The Queen remains head of state of several other island nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Solomon Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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“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.”
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said the plan by Barbados is a “matter for the government and people” of the country.
