King Charles Calls Transatlantic Slave Trade a ‘Shameful Chapter’ That Fills His Heart with Horror
King Charles III described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” that fills his heart with horror as he formally opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Addressing leaders from the 56-nation association, the King said the trade in enslaved persons “still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth.”
“As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow,” he told the summit.
He added that the more he had furthered his understanding of the issues “through listening, learning and looking,” the more committed he had become to finding ways to work in modern partnership “to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future.”
The King emphasised that “we cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past.”
He noted that history also teaches that “evil need not have the last word” and that character and courage overcame the “most monstrous injustice,” pointing to the determination to end the international slave trade in which the Royal Navy played a leading role.
He highlighted practical steps such as improving access to education, investing in jobs and opportunities, encouraging intra-Commonwealth trade, and supporting climate resilience measures as ways to help those facing hardship and disadvantage.
The remarks came amid ongoing calls from some Caribbean leaders and campaigners for a formal UK apology and discussions around reparations. There was no direct apology in the King’s address.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is attending the summit, has said he is open to a formal apology but that financial reparations are “not the right answer.”
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is held every two years and brings together leaders to discuss the future of the partnership.
The King’s speech also touched on broader challenges including conflicts, climate change and the impact of technology.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
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