King Charles III has described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” that fills him with “profound sorrow,” but stopped short of issuing a formal apology or committing Britain to financial reparations.
The King made the remarks while opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday, November 3, before leaders of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states.
‘Profound personal sorrow’
King Charles said the transatlantic trade in enslaved persons continues to cast a shadow over Caribbean islands and other parts of the Commonwealth.
“That shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow,” he said.
The monarch said history teaches that “evil need not have the last word,” and credited the Royal Navy with playing a leading role in ending the trade. He pointed instead to education, jobs, intra-Commonwealth trade and climate resilience as ways to address the enduring effects of historical injustice.
No formal apology
Despite the strong language, the King did not offer a formal apology for Britain’s role in the slave trade, nor did he announce any commitment to reparations.
His comments come amid sustained pressure from Caribbean nations and campaigners for an apology and reparatory justice for the legacies of slavery and colonialism.
Royal links to slave trade
The remarks carry particular historical weight because the British monarchy has longstanding links to the transatlantic slave trade.
Queen Elizabeth I supported the voyages of English slave trader John Hawkins in the 16th century, while King Charles II later granted the Royal African Company extensive trading rights on the West African coast; the company became heavily involved in trafficking enslaved Africans.
Historians have also noted that members of the royal family opposed abolitionist campaigns, including the Duke of Clarence, who later became King William IV.
Caribbean demands
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has long pursued reparatory justice through its Ten-Point Plan, which includes a formal apology, education and public-health programmes, cultural restitution, debt cancellation and monetary compensation.
CARICOM chair and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has said an apology would be an important first step, but warned that “an apology without repair is incomplete.”
UK position
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is attending the summit, said he is open to Britain issuing a formal apology and has proposed a structured dialogue with affected nations.
He also proposed debt restructuring for poorer Commonwealth countries, but ruled out financial reparations.
The issue is expected to remain a major point of discussion as Commonwealth leaders meet in Antigua and Barbuda.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa