King highlights Royal Navy's role in ending slave trade at Commonwealth summit
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, the King urged leaders to acknowledge both the achievements and failings of their histories, noting the Royal Navy's contribution to ending the transatlantic slave trade.
The monarch addressed Commonwealth leaders in Antigua, reminding them that the Royal Navy played a leading role in ending the transatlantic slave trade. He said the histories of the member nations are "complex" and must include both the good deeds and the wrongs of their forebears.
"We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past," the King said, adding that the legacy of the slave trade still casts a shadow over the islands.
He emphasized that "evil need not have the last word" and that courage helped overcome the injustice of the slave trade, citing the navy's determination to halt international trafficking in enslaved people.
The remarks came amid ongoing debate in Britain over whether the government should apologise for its role in the slave trade and consider reparations. Shortly after the speech, the UK Prime Minister announced a £40 million package for Caribbean projects, including green-energy initiatives, while other officials discussed support for poorer Commonwealth members facing debt pressures.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson clarified that the King's role at the summit is "inspiring and convening rather than policy-making," and noted that the monarch is constitutionally unable to issue an official apology for historic slavery. The King did express personal sorrow and has allowed researchers access to the Royal Archives to investigate the royal family's historical involvement.
In addition to the historical remarks, the King spoke on climate change, international trade and youth opportunities, warning that trust between nations is under strain and that rapid technological change brings uncertainty.