King Charles to address slavery in Antigua as PM says he is open to possible UK apology
King Charles III is to speak with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow" on the lasting pain of the transatlantic slave trade, during the final leg of his Caribbean tour in Antigua, Buckingham Palace has said.
King Charles III will speak to the Commonwealth leaders on Tuesday about the lasting pain caused by the transatlantic slave trade during his final leg of the Caribbean tour. The King will address the issue with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow," according to Buckingham Palace. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is "open" to the possibility of the UK formally apologising for its role in slavery, marking a change in the government's stance.
The Palace was reportedly informed of Burnham's comments in advance, and the King has not altered his speech. Britain has never formally apologised for slavery or offered reparations. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed "endless talk about apologies" as a distraction from addressing current problems, stating that the Commonwealth should focus on the future.
The King will deliver the opening speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where he will confront the "most shameful aspects of the past" during his visit.
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