The Barbadian Crown primarily functioned as a guarantor of continuous and stable governance and a nonpartisan safeguard against the abuse of power.

In September 2020, the Governor-General announced in the Throne Speech that Barbados would transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic by the end of November 2021.

Due to the economic burden of duties and trade restrictions, some Barbadians, including the Clerk of the General Assembly, attempted to declare in 1727 that the Act of Settlement 1701 had expired in the colony, since the Governor, Henry Worsley, had not received a new commission from King George II upon his accession to the throne.

[18] A claim made by supporters of the monarchy was that it "keeps the line of stability open";[19] the sovereign's residence outside the country meant legitimate executive power would be unaffected by any hostile invasion of Barbados or other event that might render the entire sitting government incapacitated or otherwise unable to function.

[20] Such a situation did not arise; however, it may have helped had the Operation Red Dog invasion plot—which targeted the Commonwealth of Dominica and, likely, Barbados,[21]—not been halted.

Though these laws still lie within the control of the British parliament, the United Kingdom cannot change the rules of succession without the unanimous consent of the other realms, unless explicitly leaving the shared monarchy relationship, which has been likened to a treaty among these countries.

[25] Barbados would, forever, be indebted to Her Majesty for providing that powerful and necessary symbol of continuity and assurance by remaining as the Head of State.

[30] Government staff (the Civil Service) were also employed by the monarch or the governor-general, as were Supreme Court judges,[31] members of the Barbados Defence Force,[27] police officers,[32] and senators.

"The constitution of 1966 gave the country a similar parliamentary system of government to the other Commonwealth realms, wherein the role of the monarch and governor-general was both legal and practical, but not political.

The constitution required most of the Queen's domestic duties to be performed by the governor-general, appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister of Barbados.

[38] All institutions of government acted under the sovereign's authority; the vast powers that belong to the Barbadian Crown were collectively known as the Royal Prerogative.

[41] The monarch's, and thereby the viceroy's role was almost entirely symbolic and cultural, acting as a symbol of the legal authority under which all governments and agencies operate, while the Cabinet directed the use of the Royal Prerogative, which included the privilege to declare war, maintain the Queen's peace, and direct the actions of the Barbados Defence Force, as well as to summon and prorogue parliament and call elections.

The governor-general, on behalf of the Queen, also accredited Barbadian High Commissioners and ambassadors and received diplomats from foreign states.

[53] The viceroy additionally summoned, prorogued, and dissolved parliament;[54] after the latter, the writs for a general election were usually dropped by the governor-general at Government House.

[52] Thus, bills began with the phrase: "Be it enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Assembly of Barbados and by the authority of the same as follows".

[60] The Royal Assent, and proclamation, were required for all acts of parliament, usually granted or withheld by the Governor-General, with the Public Seal of Barbados.

[65] The monarch, and by extension the governor-general, on the advice of the Barbadian Cabinet, could also grant immunity from prosecution, exercise the royal prerogative of mercy, and pardon offences against the Crown, either before, during, or after a trial.

Under the Constitution, the Judicial Oath was:[66] "I, (name), do swear that I will well and truly serve Our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth II, Her Heirs and Successors, in the office of the Chief Justice/Justice of Appeal/Judge of the High Court and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of Barbados without fear or favour, affection or ill will.

Judges also had a pair of white gloves from the Queen on display on the edge of the bench, which marked the authority of the court, similar to the ceremonial mace of parliament.

Any attempt to kill the monarch or the governor-general was considered "high treason", and the person guilty of the offence was sentenced to death.

[70] St Edward's Crown appeared on Barbados Defence Force regimental and maritime badges and rank insignia, which illustrated the monarchy as the locus of authority.

It was also trooped on 21 November 1987 to mark the 21st anniversary of Barbadian Independence, and on 4 June 2012 during the parade in honour of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

[81][82] A crown was also used to illustrate the monarchy as the locus of authority, appearing on police force, postal workers, prison officers, and Barbados Defence Force regimental and maritime badges and rank insignia,[71] as well as Barbadian honours, the system of such created through Letters Patent issued by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1980.

A blue disc of the letter "E" crowned surrounded by a garland of gold roses was displayed prominently on the flag within the centre of the tree.

[84][85] In February 1966, the Queen, along with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, toured Barbados, opening Barclays Park,[86] in Saint Andrew, amongst other events.

[12][5][89] Most significant of all your achievements, is the success with which you have nourished and brought to maturity, through many painful experiences, a constitutional system of democratic government, from which others have much to learn.

On 22 March 2015, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart announced his intention to move the country towards a republican form of government "in the very near future".

[99] The general secretary of the Democratic Labour Party, George Pilgrim, confirmed the move and said that it is expected to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Barbadian independence in 2016.

Passed on 6 October, the Bill made the following amendments to the Constitution of Barbados:[106] The decision to become a republic without holding a referendum on the issue was criticised.

[111] Invited by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Charles, Prince of Wales, as future head of the Commonwealth, attended the Republic Day events and celebrations in Bridgetown.