When the Royal News team landed in Barbados just over 24 hours ago it was a realm of Queen Elizabeth II. But today it begins a new chapter: a republic with its first-ever president.

The Caribbean island nation cut its last remaining links to the British monarchy after nearly 400 years by removing the 95-year-old sovereign as head of state.

Sandra Mason, who in the role of Governor General had been the Queen’s representative on the island, was sworn in as head of state in an energetic hours-long celebration overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Official festivities marking the island’s historic transition from realm to republic took place in National Heroes Square, decorated in the national colors of gold and ultramarine, in the heart of the capital of Bridgetown. Starting early Monday evening, it featured dazzling dance numbers, spectacular musical performances and speeches.

Prince Charles flew over from the UK on the Queen’s behalf and watched solemnly as the Royal Standard flag was lowered from the flagpole and the new Presidential Standard raised in its place.

The heir to the throne said he was "deeply touched" to have been asked to participate in the commemorations before acknowledging the "appalling atrocity” of the transatlantic slave trade.

He told the people of Barbados: "The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum -- a milestone on the long road you have not only traveled, but which you have built."

"From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude. Emancipation, self-government and Independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides," he said.

The push for a republic was very much about Barbados breaking links with its colonial past and the prince spoke in the strongest words we’ve heard so far about Britain’s role in slavery, which has been very much part of the debate in the lead up to this republican moment.

However, there are some here in Bridgetown who questioned why the Queen’s son had come at all, pointing out that the island’s historical relationship with the crown was rooted in slavery.

"No member of the royal family should participate in our major freedom day," activist David Denny told CNN.

"The royal family benefited from slavery financially and many of our African brothers and sisters died in battle for change," added Denny, general secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration.

Ships on an expedition for King James I claimed these shores in 1625 and established a settlement two years later.

Britain enslaved millions of Africans between 1640 and 1807, transporting them to colonies around the world, according to Historic England, a public body. Many were taken to the Caribbean and forced to work on sugar cane plantations, which made substantial family fortunes for their owners back in Britain, according to the National Archives.

Denny described Prince Charles’ participation as "an insult to our people" and called for financial reparations from the royal family, as well as the British government and other institutions that profited from enslaving and forcibly transporting African people to do manual labor on plantations across the Caribbean.

Adding to that frustration was the fact that one of President Mason’s first acts was to bestow the country’s highest-ranking honor, the Order of Freedom, upon the Prince of Wales -- a move designed to highlight the continued close relationship between Barbados and the United Kingdom.

While Charles’ address reflected on the past, Mason’s first speech as President looked to the future.

"Possessing a clear sense of who we are, and what we are capable of achieving, in the year 2021, we now turn our vessel’s bow towards the new republic. We do this so that we may seize the full substance of our sovereignty," she said.

Barbados has parted ways with the Queen, but she remains head of state in 15 countries. Republican movements in those nations, like Australia and Jamaica, joined in the celebrations from afar, watching the symbolic handover and hoping it adds to momentum in their own campaigns.

The Australian Republic Movement congratulated Barbados "on marking this important step towards full independence," its national director told CNN.

Sandy Biar said the 95-year-old sovereign has always said that it is up to each nation to decide if and when they move on from the monarchy.

"Barbados shows this can be done while maintaining a amicable relationship with both the British monarchy and the United Kingdom," she added.