Queen Elizabeth II is said to be removed as Head of State of Barbados

Britain's Queen Elizabeth could be removed as the Head of State of Barbados. The Caribbean island came under British control from 1627 up until independence in 1966, but has remained a constitutional monarchy since then.

However, Freundel Stuart - the country's prime minister - has revealed a plan that would see the Queen replaced by a ceremonial President in time for the 50th anniversary of independence next year.

Meanwhile, George Pilgrim, the general secretary of the Democratic Labour Party, has said the idea will be put to parliament, but that the government doesn't anticipate there being any serious opposition.

He said: ''This will move the country through to the next major step in the process of nationhood.

''(The Prime Minister) said he found it awkward in the year 2015 to have to stand up and pledge allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen.''

However, he added that Barbados will retain its links with the British crown because of its membership of the Commonwealth.

The official British Monarchy website says: ''The Queen's relationship to Barbados is unique.

''In all her duties, she speaks and acts as Queen of Barbados, and not as Queen of the United Kingdom.''