Barbados won’t be toasting Charles’s coronation – we’re still celebrating being rid of the monarchy | Suleiman Bulbulia

Across the Commonwealth, the contrast with the jubilation of 1953 is stark. Times have changed, but have the royals?

When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, there were celebrations across the Commonwealth. In Barbados, people were jubilant and the government even issued a postage stamp to commemorate the moment.

Things have changed a great deal since then. Most Commonwealth citizens feel removed from the monarchy and will be going about their business as usual today. Curiosity will capture some of our attention, but for the average Barbadian man and woman the occasion will pass without much fanfare.

Suleiman Bulbulia is a commissioner on Barbados's constitutional reform commission and a former member of the republican status transition advisory committee