King Charles voices 'sorrow' over slavery, stops short of apology

· Politics · United Kingdom

King Charles III told the heads of 56 Commonwealth countries meeting in Antigua that he has a greater understanding of the horrors of slavery, calling it a "shameful chapter of history", and said he wanted to "address past wrongs". He did not issue an explicit apology or give clear support for reparations, as Caribbean leaders and campaigners intensified their demands. UK minister Andy Burnham said he was open to the United Kingdom apologising for the transatlantic slave trade. The summit has put the question of reparations for colonial-era slavery at the centre of Commonwealth diplomacy.

Why it matters：The debate over apologising and paying reparations for slavery is gaining momentum across the Commonwealth and could reshape relations between former colonial powers and developing nations.

Key points

  • Charles called slavery a "shameful chapter of history".
  • He did not issue an explicit apology or back reparations.
  • UK minister Burnham said he is open to an apology.

Sources (original reporting)

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