Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, represented the Queen to grant Independence to the Colony of The Bahamas on this day in 1973, 50 years ago, marking the end of 300-years of British Rule. The Bahamas continue to be members of the Commonwealth and one of the Commonwealth Realms, with the now King Charles as their Sovereign.
The Prince of Wales arrived on the frigate Minerva, on which he was serving, and hosted a glittering Reception for dignitaries from 52 countries at Government House in Nassau. The Prince also captained the Nassau polo team in a match against Freeport on Grand Bahama.
Just before midnight, the Prince of Wales witnessed the final lowering of the Union Jack on hills overlooking Nassau harbour, in a ceremony replicated on all 22 of the inhabited Bahamian islands. 10 hours later, the Prince (wearing the Order of the Garter) read a speech from the Queen and handed over two formal documents to Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, just minutes before the canopy fell on the dignitaries.
NASSAU, the Bahamas, July 10—As a new flag of black, aquamarine and gold was raised here today, the Bahamas became an independent nation, emerging from three centuries of British colonial rule.
Prince Charles enjoyed the Bahamas’ last day as a British colony, hosting a formal reception at Government House for dignitaries from 52 countries overseeing the end of over 300 years of British sovereignty.
He laid the cornerstone of the Central Bank on July 9, 1973. On the evening of July 9, a musical and cultural display entitled ‘Pages from Bahamian History’ was held at Clifford Park.
It portrayed Bahamian heritage through dance and music. The show was co-ordinated and directed by Winston Saunders and Clement Bethel was its artistic and musical director.
At one minute to midnight on July 9, 1973, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time as the official flag of The Bahamas.
One minute after midnight on July 10 a crowd of 50,000 saw the black, turquoise and gold flag of the Bahamas being raised instead of the Union Jack.
The ceremony was replicated on all of the inhabited Bahamian islands. As the Queen’s representative, Prince Charles read a personal message from Her Majesty. Prince Charles, wearing a white military uniform, read a brief message of congratulations from Queen Elizabeth II, who welcomed this subtropical chain of 700 islands into that “unique international fellowship,” the Commonwealth.
The moment of independence came just after midnight, but it was made official 10 hours later at an outdoor ceremony at which Prince Charles, heir to the British crown, presented two formal documents to Prime Minister Lynden O. Pindling.
