King Charles III speaks to world leaders in Antigua, expresses 'sorrow' over slave trade

St. John’s, Antigua – King Charles III denounced the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter of history" during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Tuesday. The king made this statement just days after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham suggested a formal apology and proposed a debt restructuring program to aid the Commonwealth's least affluent nations, though he has declined to endorse reparations for the U.K.

Expressing deep sorrow about the slave trade, Charles acknowledged that its "shameful chapter of history still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth." However, he refrained from offering an apology. The monarch emphasized that the legacy of the trade "fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow," yet he highlighted that history teaches that evil does not have to be the final word.

Charles noted the pivotal role the Royal Navy played in suppressing the slave trade, stating that he is currently exploring ways to rectify the past injustices by enhancing access to education and other resources. His speech underscored a commitment to addressing historical wrongs through character and courage, aiming to overcome the most egregious forms of injustice.