Rihanna’s fans want her to replace Queen Elizabeth as Barbados’ head of state

Fans of Rihanna have launched a campaign calling for the singer and fashion designer to replace Queen Elizabeth as Barbados’ new head of state after her home nation announced its intention to remove the British monarch and attain the status of a republic as early as next year.

Following Tuesday’s announcement, fans of the Bajan-born singer took to social media to vouch for her for the soon-to-be vacant position.

“Big up Barbados for this,” a fan said. “It’s time for the rightful queen to sit upon her throne @rihanna.”

“An important first step to installing Rihanna as the God Empress of Barbados,” said another.

Another jokingly claimed: “Rihanna didn’t release new music because she will be queen of Barbados when Queen Elizabeth will be out.”

Take a look at more reactions below:

The announcement to remove the queen – who has been the island nation’s head of state since its independence in 1966 – and replace her with a native Barbadian, was made by the country’s government on Tuesday. The queen is currently the head of state of over 12 countries – all former British colonies – though her role is mostly ceremonial, and several years of  calls by local activists on the Caribbean island to remove her seems to have paid off.

“Barbados has developed governance structures and institutions that mark us as what has been described as, ‘the best governed Black society in the world.’ Since Independence, we Barbadians have sought constantly to improve our systems of law and governance so as to ensure they best reflect our characteristics and values as a nation,” the country’s Governor-General, Sandra Mason, read in a speech written by Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

Mason continued:

Barbados’ first prime minister, The Rt. Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, cautioned against loitering on colonial premises. That warning is as relevant today as it was in 1966. Having attained Independence over half a century ago, our country can be in no doubt about its capacity for self-governance. 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.

Meanwhile, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told ABC News Barbados’ intention to remove the queen as head of state is a sovereign matter, and it is up to the island nation’s government and people to decide.