Queen Elizabeth II has been removed as head of state for Barbados, as it has officially declared itself a republic.
Cutting an almost 400-year-old tie with the British royal family that began with its colonisation in 1627, the country conducted a ceremony on Tuesday 30 November 2021 to officially remove Queen Elizabeth II from the head of state position.
The ceremony, which was attended by Prince Charles, saw the Queen’s royal standard lowered from its position on Barbados' Parliament building at midnight last night.
The Queen sent a message to the country’s new president, Sandra Mason, in which she said:
"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. Since then, the people of Barbados have held a special place in my heart.
"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 country celebrated the removal of the Queen with traditional songs, dances, speeches and poetry, as a packed crowd gathered in National Heroes Square to mark the occasion.
Speaking to the crowd, Prince Charles recognised the appalling slavery foisted upon the people of Barbados by the English and the mistakes that had been made during colonisation.
‘Tonight you write the next chapter of your nation’s story, adding to the treasury of past achievement, collective enterprise and personal courage which already fill its pages,’ he said, reported Sky News.
Barbados will remain a member of the Commonwealth, but it's thought that the countrys decision to remove Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state may prompt other countries to follow suit.
The Monarch is now only recognised as head of state by 15 countries in the Commonwealth, including the UK.
Millions of train tickets are currently on sale for just £2 each, as Northern has brought its popular ‘Flash Sale’ back for 2026.
A whopping FOUR MILLION of them, to be exact.
For the last couple of years, the rail operator has made life a little easier for train travellers by giving them the chance to grab one of several million tickets for much cheaper than normal – and now, with the cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt, Northern has decided to kick off the autumn season by slashing prices once again.
It means that millions of people will have the opportunity to make a cut-price journey across the north of England before the end of October is out.
With the company’s regular ‘Flash Sales’ having gone onto become a, somewhat, legendary event at this point, it probably comes as no shock that you’ll need to act fast if you want to be in with a chance of get your hands tickets.
Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale from £2 / Credit: Northern | Wikimedia Commons
Tickets went live today and the sale runs for three days, closing on Friday 4 September – with tickets valid for travel between 9 September and 23 October 2026.
A list of routes where tickets will be available can also be found using the ‘cheap fare finder’ tool on the Northern website here.
“With four million tickets up for grabs, this is one of our biggest Flash Sales yet, and there’s something for everyone,” commented Alex Hornby, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern.
“With millions of tickets available for just £2 each, our Flash Sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.
“Customers will need to book early to avoid disappointment, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Tickets are available to buy on Northern’s app, online, at ticket offices, and on ticket machines at stations managed by Northern.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
The Hoot -
30th November 2021 
