King Charles III described the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter of history" filled with "horror" and "profound personal sorrow" during a speech Tuesday at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua. He noted that while the past cannot be changed, its lessons can be learned.
The monarch stated that the trade "still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth." He also highlighted the Royal Navy's role in ending the slave trade and outlined current efforts to address historical wrongs through improved access to education, job investment, intra-Commonwealth trade, and climate change resilience measures.
Charles' remarks come days after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated his openness to a formal apology for the slave trade and proposed debt restructuring for poorer Commonwealth nations, while rejecting calls for reparations. Ahead of the King's speech, a small group of protesters gathered outside the venue, holding signs demanding acknowledgement and repair for the injustices of slavery.
Britain's royal family has historical ties to the slave trade, with monarchs from Elizabeth I to Charles II supporting and profiting from the practice. The Commonwealth, comprised of 56 nations, convened as leaders discussed various initiatives, including the Commonwealth Nature Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the world's land and oceans by 2030 with over $200 million in pledges announced Monday.