King Charles has delivered his opening address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, expressing deep sorrow over the slave trade but stopping short of issuing an apology for the UK's historic role in it.
The King's speech had drawn heightened interest after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would be "open" to the possibility of the UK formally apologising for its role in slavery. "Britain is bringing a new approach to this meeting," the prime minister said, seeking to get ahead of the debate on reparations that has dominated the build-up to the summit.
No Apology Offered
Presiding over the event in his politically neutral role as head of the Commonwealth, the King did not give the apology many nations had been hoping for. Instead, he said, "History is not ours to choose or change", adding: "Our history inspires us, can appall us, yet it can always teach us. We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past."
Reflecting on the slave trade, the King acknowledged that it still "casts a shadow over these islands and other Members of our Commonwealth" and highlighted the key role the British Royal Navy played in bringing an end to the trade.
Reflections on the Slave Trade
"As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow," he said. "And yet history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word; that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role."
Speaking at the National Performing Arts Centre of Antigua and Barbuda, the King said he is "committed" to addressing "the wrongs of the past with action for the future". He added: "Through improving access to education, investing in jobs and opportunities, encouraging intra-Commonwealth trade, and inspiring vital climate resilience measures across the world, I have always felt that there is so much that can be done to help lift up those who struggle against hardship and disadvantage. I have always tried to play my part in doing just that."
Government Position
The King's comments reflect the position of the UK Government, with Mr Burnham suggesting there could be some form of apology over slavery, but ruling out financial reparations.
Ahead of the speech, Buckingham Palace clarified the monarch's politically neutral role as "inspiring and convening, rather than policy-making" and said no changes to the speech had been made after the Prime Minister's comments on Friday night.
