The British monarch acknowledged slavery’s lasting impact in Antigua and Barbuda but stopped short of a formal apology or reparations.

King Charles III has acknowledged the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade on Commonwealth countries, expressing personal sorrow over Britain’s history of slavery without offering a formal apology or committing to reparations.

A shameful part of history

Speaking at the opening of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda on Nov. 3, the British monarch described the trade in enslaved Africans as a shameful part of history whose consequences continue to affect Caribbean nations and other Commonwealth members.

He said a deeper understanding of the past had strengthened his commitment to finding practical ways for countries to address historical injustices.

Education, trade and climate resilience

Charles pointed to education, employment opportunities, stronger trade between Commonwealth countries and climate resilience as areas where modern partnerships could help address longstanding inequalities.

He also highlighted the Royal Navy’s role in ending the international slave trade, while acknowledging the suffering and injustice associated with that history.

Calls for reparatory justice grow

His address came amid renewed demands from Caribbean and African leaders for Britain to acknowledge its role in slavery and consider reparatory justice.

Outside the summit, demonstrators called for an apology and reparations, arguing that the consequences of colonial exploitation remain visible today.

Prime minister opens door to apology talks

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened the door to discussions with affected countries about a formal apology and proposed debt-related measures, but ruled out direct financial reparations.

The summit brings together representatives of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states to discuss shared political, economic and environmental challenges.