The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, has stated his personal desire to see King Charles removed as the country's head of state and is calling for reparations from the United Kingdom over the legacy of slavery.
Browne made these remarks to ITV News following a church service attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are currently on a Caribbean tour. While expressing respect for the monarch, Browne reiterated his view that Antigua and Barbuda should transition to a republic. He acknowledged that such a change requires a constitutional amendment and a public vote.
"I have to accept that, you know, King Charles remains. I serve the King, and he will continue to benefit from, you know, all of the courtesies and respect as our King… but again, you know, from time to time we have to test the waters," Browne said.
The Antiguan prime minister also voiced strong disagreement with British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's recent comments suggesting that apologies for the slave trade should cease. Browne described Badenoch's views as "misguided."
He addressed the ongoing debate about reparations, acknowledging the political difficulties within the UK but asserting the necessity for compensation. Browne argued that funds for reparations could be sourced from Britain's overseas development budget. He warned that a failure to address historical injustices through reparations could lead to a repeat of such "atrocities" globally, referencing the current international climate.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended an Anglican church service at St John's Pentecostal House of Restoration as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) program. The service focused on themes of unity and partnership within the Commonwealth.
Buckingham Palace had previously indicated that the British government's stance on the tour was that there would be no formal apology or reparations offered for the slave trade.