My heart is filled with horror': King Charles speaks of his 'profound personal sorrow' over slave trade
He stopped short of an apology as activists demanded reparatory justice and leaders weighed new talks on slavery and reparations.
- On Tuesday, King Charles addressed the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, stating the transatlantic slave trade "fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow," though he did not issue a formal apology for the UK's historic role.
- The monarch's remarks occurred during his nine-day Caribbean tour, where he followed Government guidance that has not advised him to offer an apology or financial reparations for the UK's historic role.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a policy shift, proposing a "debt reset" and allocating £40 million for Caribbean infrastructure while explicitly ruling out direct financial reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
- The Caribbean Community is "ready to engage" in structured dialogue the Government offered, said Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, chairman of the bloc, signaling receptiveness to negotiations.
- Activists gathered outside the venue holding placards demanding "reparatory justice" and an apology, highlighting persistent tension between official diplomatic strategies and ongoing demands for accountability regarding the transatlantic slave trade.
111 Articles
111 Articles
King Charles III expressed his "horror" at slavery by opening a summit of Commonwealth leaders
King Charles found clear words at the Commonwealth Summit in the Caribbean. The pressure on London to pay compensation is growing, because Britain was a major profiter of the slave trade.
The British role in slavery is a "shameful chapter in history that fills me with horror and causes me deep sorrow." With these words, King Charles said more than ever today, but they are not quite an apology for the British role in the slave trade. However, work is reportedly underway behind the scenes on an official apology from the British government. Prime Minister Burnham is said to be consulting with former British colonies regarding the wo…
'Fills my heart with horror': King Charles on Britain's slave trade
King Charles III has acknowledged Britain's historic role in the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter" that fills him with horror, during his address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. This comes amidst increasing pressure from Caribbean nations for an apology and reparations. While the monarch stated history cannot be changed, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a "debt reset" plan …
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