King Charles III has called the transatlantic slave trade a "monstrous injustice" at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. The UK monarch described slavery as a "shameful chapter of history" that still casts a shadow over the 56-nation group of mostly former British colonies. Charles, who is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, expressed his "profound personal sorrow" over the issue.
The King's comments come as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham holds talks with Commonwealth leaders about issuing a formal apology for Britain's role in slavery. Burnham, in office since July, has said he is open to apologizing but has ruled out paying financial reparations demanded by some Caribbean countries. The UK royal family benefited from the slave trade, but Charles is politically neutral and is not expected to offer an apology.
Britain's pivotal part in slavery has long strained relations between the UK and its former colonies. The issue has been a point of contention, including at an awkward previous meeting of Commonwealth leaders in 2024. A palace spokesperson said it would not be appropriate for the King to announce a change in government policy. Burnham discussed slavery with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley during a meeting on Monday.
Burnham has written that he would have "difficult conversations" to safeguard the Commonwealth's future. He emphasized that listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state is important, but insisted that reparations are "not the right answer". The Prime Minister argued that British people today should not be held liable for historical wrongs.
Instead of reparations, London is pursuing a "debt reset" plan for the poorest Commonwealth countries, led by former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown. This plan could alter interest rates on repayments. The UK will allocate £40 million ($54 million) over three years for infrastructure improvements in the Caribbean, including renewable energy.
The issue of slavery has loomed large over King Charles's ongoing nine-day visit to three Caribbean countries. Upon arrival in the Bahamas last week, small groups of protesters waved placards reading: "Pay what you owe us." Britain has never formally apologized for slavery or agreed to pay reparations, despite profiting from colonialism and slavery for centuries.
The UK government argues that it also led the way in abolishing slavery, with the UK parliament passing a law to abolish slavery in most of the British Empire in 1833. However, opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said Britain should not apologize, arguing it would boost countries' claims for financial compensation.
Key points
- King Charles III describes transatlantic slave trade as 'monstrous injustice'
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham considers apology for Britain's role in slavery
- UK to allocate £40 million for infrastructure improvements in the Caribbean
