King Charles calls slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ during Commonwealth address
King Charles has described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” that fills him with “profound sorrow” as he addressed Commonwealth leaders at a summit in the Caribbean.
He acknowledged that the legacy of slavery continues to affect member countries, saying the trade in enslaved people still casts a shadow over the Commonwealth.
His remarks came amid calls for the United Kingdom to issue a formal apology for its historical involvement in the slave trade ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. However, the King stopped short of offering an official apology in his address.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is also attending the summit, has previously indicated his openness to a formal apology but argued that financial reparations would not be the appropriate response.
Although he did not apologise directly, King Charles expressed regret over the atrocities and said his understanding of the slave trade’s lasting impact had deepened through personal learning and engagement.
He said the historical injustice continued to affect Caribbean nations and other members of the Commonwealth, adding that he was committed to exploring ways of addressing past wrongs through meaningful partnerships and future action.
The King also reflected on the complexity of history, noting that present generations inherit both the achievements and failures of those who came before them.
Beyond the legacy of slavery, his address touched on global challenges, including violent conflicts, the devastating effects of climate change and rapid technological advancement.
The CHOGM brings together leaders from 56 countries every two years in different parts of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association largely comprising former territories of the British Empire.
This year’s meeting, taking place in Antigua and Barbuda, is being held under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
The King’s Caribbean tour, which also includes the Queen, has renewed discussions about Britain’s colonial history and its lasting effects on the region.
During an earlier visit to the Bahamas, King Charles spoke about the suffering caused by slavery, while in Guyana, he visited the site of a slave rebellion where hundreds of enslaved people were killed.
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