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

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — King Charles III addressed world leaders in a speech on Tuesday, marking the official opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The monarch spoke about the transatlantic slave trade, calling it a "shameful chapter of history." Charles made the remarks just days after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed openness to a formal apology and proposed debt restructuring to assist the Commonwealth's poorest nations, although he has not supported calls for the U.K. to pay reparations.

Addressing the continued impact of the slave trade, Charles stated that its effects still cast a shadow over the islands and other Commonwealth members. While he did not apologize, he expressed deep personal sorrow over the historical injustice. Charles noted that the Royal Navy played a leading role in ending the slave trade, and he is actively seeking ways to rectify the wrongs through improving access to education and other initiatives.