Prince Harry came face to face Wednesday with one of Barbados' most famous exports—and pop music's ultimate bad girl—during his Caribbean tour.
The British royal met Rihanna at the Toast to the Nation event celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence of Barbados, a former British colony. Harry gave a speech. The pop star, who was born in the country, is set to perform the national anthem at the nation's Golden Anniversary Spectacular Mega Concert later in the day.
The 28-year-old Barbadian singer songwriter, who wore a knee-length pale blue dress, sat at the same table as Guyana's President David Granger, just across from Harry's table, according to U.K. newspaper The Daily Express.
The outlet said Harry, whose Caribbean tour ends in Guyana this weekend, walked over to say hello to the president before he turned and shook hands with Rihanna, saying, "Hello, it's very nice to meet you."
Prince Harry - "Our countries have a shared history, shared values and an affection which continues to bind us." #RoyalVisitBarbados pic.twitter.com/YgxruhNw1U
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 30, 2016
Prince Harry delivers a message from The Queen congratulating Barbados on 50 years of Independence ???? #RoyalVisitBarbados #50Barbados pic.twitter.com/LabPBpT23W
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 30, 2016
The prince arrived in Barbados Tuesday, 10 days after he began his two-week Caribbean tour in Antigua. Harry is traveling on behalf of his 90-year-old grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. During his speech in Barbados, he read a message from her.
"Prince Philip and I send our warmest wishes to the Government and the people of Barbados," she said, referring to her husband. "Our countries have a shared history, shared values and an affection which continues to bind us. On this day of celebration, I send my congratulations to you on your Golden Jubilee of Independence."
On Tuesday in Barbados, Harry visited a children's home. Earlier on Wednesday, he met patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Also Tuesday, he visited Grenada, where he met stilt walkers and planted a Mangrove in Grand Anse Beach and toured Mangrove and coral restoration projects.
In recent days, the prince has also visited Saint Lucia, where he played cricket, and Saint Vincent, where he received a declaration of love from a happy fan.