King Charles III calls slave trade a "shameful chapter" at Commonwealth summit
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, King Charles III expressed sorrow over the transatlantic slave trade but stopped short of offering a formal apology, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined a debt-reset plan for member states.
King Charles III addressed leaders of the Commonwealth in Antigua and Barbuda, describing the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter" of history that "fills my heart with horror" and expressing personal sorrow for its legacy. He highlighted the role of the Royal Navy in ending the trade and called for future generations to benefit from the Commonwealth’s "unique advantage" in delivering tangible change. The monarch did not issue a direct apology or commit to reparations, noting that such decisions lie with the UK government.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, attending the summit, said he is open to calls for an apology but considers reparations "not the right answer." He announced plans for a "debt reset" aimed at easing interest burdens on Commonwealth countries and pledged £40 million for Caribbean infrastructure projects. Burnham described the initiative as a new approach to supporting member states facing debt distress.
Host nation Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged continued dialogue on the lasting impacts of slavery and colonialism, referencing a previous commitment made at the 2024 summit in Samoa.
Buckingham Palace reiterated that the King’s role as Head of the Commonwealth is non-political, emphasizing collaboration among governments, business, and civil society as the path to lasting solutions.