King Charles begins Caribbean tour, pledges to acknowledge historic suffering
During the first stop of his nine-day Caribbean visit, King Charles said it is right to recognise past injustices and highlighted climate challenges facing low-lying islands.
King Charles arrived in the Bahamas to start a nine-day tour of the Caribbean, marking his first visit to the region as monarch. He met Governor General Dame Cynthia A. Pratt and Prime Minister Philip Edward, and inspected a guard of honour from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
At a youth rally in Clifford Park, the King said it is "only right" to "acknowledge the great suffering and injustices of the past" and urged young people to take responsibility for protecting the planet. He referenced his 50-year commitment to climate action and warned that "our world cries out for healing."
Buckingham Palace indicated that the itinerary includes visits to memorials and sites of reflection in the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, aiming to "shine a light on the many modern partnerships and opportunities for the future" that are having a transformative effect on the region. A palace spokesperson described the tour as a continuation of the King's lifelong effort to engage with and educate about the most shameful aspects of history.
The monarch will continue to Antigua and Barbuda, where he and Queen Camilla will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the King's keynote address as Commonwealth leader.