From helping out with wildlife conservation projects to having fun with local kids, Prince Harry has done it all on his tour of the Caribbean – and on day 10 of his official visit, the royal added yet another experience to his list.
At an event celebrating 50 years of independence for Barbados, the Prince met pop superstar Rihanna, who was born and raised on the Caribbean island. The two shook hands inside a marquee and spoke briefly, ahead of Rihanna’s performance at a concert held to mark the special anniversary.
Rihanna waits in line to shake the Prince’s hand. Photo: Getty
The singer was born and raised on the island of Barbados. Photo: Getty
According to a senior royal aide, Harry had initially thought he would be meeting Rihanna at the concert, not beforehand.
“He found out just before arriving. About 20 minutes before, that she would be here and sitting near his table,” the aide revealed to the Express.
Rihanna, 28, wore a pale blue dress for the occasion and was seated at the same table as Guyana’s President David Granger, across from Harry’s table.
Earlier that day, the Prince had also spent time touring Bridgetown’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he charmed the young patients.
Prince Harry visits a young patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown. Photo: Getty
Harry bonds with another young patient. Photo: Getty
Marking the beloved royal’s second time in the tropical sub-continent, Harry is in the Caribbean for the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence in Barbados, the Prince took to the stage to read a special message from the Queen and Prince Philip.
“Our countries have a shared history, shared values and an affection which continues to bind us in friendship,” he read.
The Prince has been touring the Caribbean on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. Photo: Getty
Harry’s official tour of the Caribbean began on November 20 and will finish up on December 4.
So far, his visit has taken him to Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Vincent, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis.
