King Charles calls slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ at summit

King Charles opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on Tuesday by describing the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” that fills him with “profound sorrow”. He told leaders the trade in enslaved people “still casts a shadow” over the 56-state grouping, but did not issue the formal apology some had demanded.

What did King Charles say about the slave trade?

The King told the summit: “The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth.” He added: “That shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow.”

King Charles said his own understanding of the legacy had grown “through listening, learning and looking”, and that he had become more committed to finding ways “to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future”. He also said: “History is not ours to choose or to change.”

Did the King deliver a formal apology?

No. There had been calls from some for the UK to issue a formal apology for its historic role in the slave trade before the Antigua meeting, but the King’s address contained none. Ahead of the summit, attention had focused on whether the King would address slavery in his Antigua speech. While he stopped short of an apology, he did offer contrition and acknowledged that he had personally learnt more about the legacy of the trade.

What has Andy Burnham said about reparations?

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is also attending the summit, has said he is open to Britain issuing a formal apology but rules out financial reparations. “I’ve been very clear that we do not support reparations,” Burnham said on Tuesday. He said his government was bringing a new approach aimed at “revitalising the Commonwealth”, adding that Britain helps member states with development, debt issues and green finance.

What is the Commonwealth and what is on the summit agenda?

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) gathers leaders from 56 states every two years in a different part of the Commonwealth, a voluntary grouping made up primarily of former territories of the British Empire. This year’s official theme is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. The King’s address also referred to “brutal conflicts” around the world, the “catastrophic reality” of climate and rapid technological development.

Where else are the King and Queen visiting?

The King and Queen are on a tour of the Caribbean that has reignited difficult debates over the UK’s colonial legacy in the region. On the first stop in the Bahamas, the King delivered a speech in which he spoke of the “suffering of the past”. In Guyana, he visited the site of a slave rebellion where hundreds of enslaved people were killed.

Frequently asked questions

Did King Charles apologise for slavery at the Commonwealth summit?

No. The King described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history” and spoke of “profound sorrow”, but his address in Antigua and Barbuda contained no formal apology for Britain’s role.

What is the UK government’s position on reparations for slavery?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to a formal apology but ruled out financial reparations, saying “we do not support reparations” while pointing to British help for Commonwealth countries on development, debt and green finance.

Where is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting being held?

The summit is being held in Antigua and Barbuda and brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member states, which meet every two years.

What is the theme of this year’s Chogm?

The official theme is “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.

With reporting from BBC News.

Stock image, not from the events described. City Skyline — Joe deSousa / Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0)