King Charles acknowledged the "shameful chapter" of the transatlantic slave trade during a speech to Commonwealth leaders, but steered clear of offering an apology. Instead, he emphasized Britain's role in ending the trade, highlighting the Royal Navy's efforts. "History is not ours to choose or to change. It is bequeathed to us in complex synthesis by forebears we can never know," Charles stated, adding that Britain's "inheritance includes both their achievements and their failures – the good they did as well as the wrongs."
The King's remarks come as the issue of reparations for slavery has intensified in the Caribbean. While Charles expressed personal sorrow for the "shameful chapter" that "still casts a shadow," his emphasis on Britain's efforts to end the trade was met with muted applause from the audience in Antigua and Barbuda.
Buckingham Palace had indicated that the King's speech would be "unflinching" in its honesty. Charles stated that the "complex" history must include "the good" done by those involved, "as well as the wrongs."
His comments follow a statement by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who expressed openness to discussions about an apology for slavery but not reparations. This stance has fueled demands from Caribbean campaigners for financial compensation. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has suggested an apology could help the UK "build stronger relationships" with Commonwealth countries.
Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Gaston Browne has openly called for reparations and previously expressed a desire for his country to move away from Charles as King. He stated that previous Commonwealth meetings agreed that "the time had come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation on reparatory justice."
Charles's tour of Caribbean nations, including visits to Antigua and Barbuda, has been marked by discussions on historical injustices and environmental initiatives, with Queen Camilla participating in a beach clean-up event.