King Charles did not apologise for the UK's historic role in slavery during his highly anticipated Commonwealth speech, despite saying the slave trade "fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow".
The 78-year-old delivered the opening address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua, where interest had grown after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would be "open" to the possibility of the UK formally apologising for its role in slavery.
King's remarks on history
Instead of an apology, the King said: "History is not ours to choose or change. Our history inspires us, can appal 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."
He also reflected on the slave trade, noting 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.
Reaction from Andy Burnham
Since the comments, Andy Burnham has denied accusations that he "made things difficult" for the King. He told ITV News: "No, we're reaching out and listening, and the whole aim here is to, you know, come and listen to people and bring a new approach to the Commonwealth. So the aim has been to bring people together, and we think in the end that will be more positive."
