King Charles expressed personal sorrow over the transatlantic slave trade at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda. He said its legacy still affected Caribbean islands and other members. The speech offered no formal apology or financial reparations pledge, as campaigners pressed for compensation and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham maintained his opposition to payments.
King Charles expressed deep personal sorrow over the suffering under the transatlantic slave trade as he opened the Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda on November 3. The association brings together 56 countries with historic links to the British state. In the capital, Saint John’s, Charles said slavery’s legacy continued to cast a shadow over Caribbean islands and other members.[1], [2]
The king offered neither a formal apology nor a promise of financial reparations. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham had said he was open to discussing an apology on behalf of the state while rejecting financial payments. Demonstrators sought compensation for colonialism and slavery before the summit. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali was among the leaders calling for an apology from the British state.[1]
Charles urged the leaders to learn from the past and look towards the future. His speech emphasised education, employment opportunities for younger people, trade among member countries and resilience against climate pressures. Those attending the summit included Burnham, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Buckingham Palace had said beforehand that Charles would address the legacy of slavery openly and with sorrow.[1]
