King Charles Slavery Speech: Sorrow but No Apology

In a closely watched King Charles slavery speech, the British monarch told Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday, November 3, that the transatlantic slave trade fills his heart "with horror" and his soul with "the most profound personal sorrow". He did not offer a formal apology, LBC and GB News reported.

The King spoke at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where leaders from 56 member countries are gathering.

What the King said

Charles said the slave trade "still casts a shadow" over the Caribbean and other Commonwealth members, but that history cannot be changed, only learned from.

He said the more he had learned about the issue, the more committed he had become to finding ways to "address the wrongs of the past with action for the future". He listed areas where he believes progress is possible:

• better access to education;
• investment in jobs and opportunities;
• more trade between Commonwealth countries;
• measures to help countries cope with climate change.

Buckingham Palace has said the King's role at the summit is about "inspiring and convening, rather than policy making". As a politically neutral head of state, he cannot announce changes in government policy.

UK government opens door to an apology

The speech came as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham begins talks with other leaders about the UK issuing a formal apology for the slave trade, the BBC reported. According to the BBC, the UK is likely to apologise formally for the first time next year, when it holds the presidency of the G20.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said a formal apology is something the government is "open to", but said financial reparations would not be "right or feasible". Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the government not to apologise.

Debt reset and new task forces

Instead of reparations, Burnham is setting out plans for a "debt reset" for Commonwealth countries. LBC reported that he will also allocate £40 million for infrastructure improvements in the Caribbean. Downing Street said the UK will lead two new task forces, one on critical minerals and supply chains and one on trade and investment, due to report by the end of the year.

Why it matters

Reparations have dominated the build-up to the summit, and the King's nine-day Caribbean tour, which included the Bahamas and a state visit to Guyana, saw small protests demanding payment. The Commonwealth also includes Asian members such as India, Malaysia and Singapore, so its debates on debt, trade and climate matter well beyond the Caribbean.

For more world news, see the Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi, the stalled Iran-US talks and our guide to the US midterm elections.

Photo: King Charles III in July 2023, The White House / Wikimedia Commons, public domain. File photo.