King calls slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ during Commonwealth address

King Charles addressed the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” during the opening of a summit for Commonwealth leaders held in the Caribbean, expressing that the topic fills him with “profound sorrow.” He acknowledged that the legacy of the slave trade continues to “cast a shadow” over the Commonwealth nations. Despite calls for the United Kingdom to offer a formal apology for its historic involvement in the slave trade ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Antigua and Barbuda, the King’s speech did not include an official apology.

At the summit, the King offered a tone of contrition and shared that his understanding of the slave trade’s lasting impact had deepened over time. He stated, “The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth.” He added, “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.” His comments reflected a personal commitment to addressing historical wrongs through contemporary collaboration, emphasizing the importance of learning and partnership.

In his remarks, King Charles highlighted that history “is not ours to choose or to change” but something inherited from previous generations, comprising both achievements and failures. He noted, “Our inheritance includes both their achievements and their failures – the good they did as well as the wrongs.” The King’s speech also touched on broader global challenges, referencing ongoing “brutal conflicts” and describing the “catastrophic reality” resulting from climate change and rapid technological advancement.

The Chogm gathering takes place every two years and brings together leaders from 56 Commonwealth states, most of which are former British Empire territories. This year’s official theme is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” During their tour of the Caribbean, King Charles and Queen Camilla have stimulated renewed discussion about the region’s colonial past. At the King’s initial stop in the Bahamas, he spoke candidly about the “suffering of the past,” and in Guyana, he visited the site of a slave rebellion where hundreds of enslaved individuals lost their lives. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, attending the summit, has expressed openness to a formal apology from Britain but has ruled out financial reparations as a solution