King Charles expresses deep sorrow over slavery but stops short of apology in Antigua
The British monarch addressed Caribbean leaders at the Commonwealth summit, citing historic wrongs without offering formal reparations.
By Jonathan Reed ·
King Charles III opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday, stating that the transatlantic slave trade fills him with horror and profound personal sorrow.
The British monarch told gathered leaders that slavery still casts a shadow over Caribbean islands and other Commonwealth members. He acknowledged that the Royal Navy played a leading role in ending the trade, while noting that current leaders cannot change the actions of those who came before them. Instead, he emphasized the need to learn from the past.
Charles outlined specific steps to address historic wrongs, including widening access to education, investing in employment, and promoting trade between member nations. He also highlighted the importance of supporting climate resilience for the region.
The address did not include the formal apology that many Caribbean and African countries had anticipated. Buckingham Palace had previously confirmed that no formal apology would be delivered during the king's Caribbean tour, which also includes stops in the Bahamas and Guyana. The speech offered no specific measures to redress the economic and social damage left by slavery.
Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali stated in an interview that an apology should be the king's next move. The topic of reparations was raised at the last Commonwealth summit in Samoa in 2024, where leaders called for discussions despite opposition from then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Current Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said the United Kingdom is open to a formal apology but has ruled out financial reparations. Burnham proposed leading a debt restructuring programme to assist the Commonwealth's poorest nations.
Outside the venue, a small group of protesters held signs reading Acknowledge the wrong. Commit to repair. Shana Michelle, a resident of Antigua, said that while the country is technically free, many people do not feel mentally free. She argued that an apology is the starting point for repair.
The summit brings together 56 member nations. Attending leaders included Burnham, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told the gathering that no nation should be forced to mortgage its future simply to survive its present.
