King Charles to Address Slavery with 'Honesty and Sorrow' on Caribbean Tour
The monarch will speak on the legacy of the slave trade during his final address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua.
King Charles will address the lasting pain of the transatlantic slave trade with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow" during a speech in Antigua, marking the final leg of his Caribbean tour. The address is scheduled for Tuesday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated that the King "will not shy away from confronting the most shameful aspects of the past during this visit." The speech aims to acknowledge the history of slavery and resistance, with the monarch's engagements on the tour also focusing on the environment, youth opportunities, and trade relations.
The King's remarks come as a shift in government stance was signaled by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. In an opinion piece published Friday night, Burnham expressed openness to the UK formally apologizing for its role in slavery, a departure from previous government policy which had not considered reparations.
Royal sources emphasized that decisions regarding apologies and reparations are matters for the government, not the Palace. A royal aide described the King as adept at navigating complex diplomatic situations, viewing his role as representing Britain, the Commonwealth Realms, and the wider Commonwealth.
During his tour, King Charles has already touched upon the difficult history of the UK's colonial past. In the Bahamas, he spoke of the "suffering of the past," and in Guyana, he visited a site commemorating a slave rebellion. These engagements aim for the King to deepen his understanding of the history of slavery and resistance.
Queen Camilla is accompanying the King in Antigua. The couple are expected to attend a church service on Sunday morning before participating in Independence Day celebrations on the island.
The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries, is viewed by King Charles as a significant platform for global change. A Palace spokesperson noted that despite global institutional strains, the Commonwealth's scale and familiarity among leaders facilitate cooperation and practical results that can improve lives.