GB News viewers were left appalled at its latest King Charles bombshell, as royal correspondent Cameron Walker explained that prime minister Andy Burnham has put the monarch in a “difficult position” by declaring he is “open” to a formal state apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
While Burnham ruled out financial reparations, he has gone a step further than King Charles, who has ruled out a formal state apology during his tour of the Caribbean. While Burnham flew out to join him this week, Walker shouted a question to the PM as he walked through the press: “Prime minister, are you aligned with the King on an apology?”
Burnham, however, ignored the question and continued walking, leading Walker to explain to viewers: “Not much of a response to GB News about his openness to formally apologising for slavery.
Burnham joins King in Antigua
“Andy Burnham has flown to Antigua to join the King for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting.
“Leaders from across the world have travelled to the Caribbean realm, including Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese. He praised the King’s convening power, but made his republican views clear.”
Albanese said: “People can have different positions, I mean, my party supports a republic, but the system that we have doesn’t mean that we don’t have respect for His Majesty and the role that he plays.”
Prime ministers put King in awkward position
Walker continued: “At least four of His Majesty’s own prime ministers have put him in an awkward position this week. The Bahamas and Antigua have renewed their calls to cut ties with the monarchy.
“But earlier, Their Majesties showed they weren’t shying away from Britain’s past, viewing an exhibition of slavery in Antigua.
“Items including handcuffs worn by enslaved Africans were on display. Archaeologist Reg Murphy said it’s important not to forget the past.”
Dr Murphy said: “We have a shared history, a shared past, we can’t discount it and we can’t forget it, but we can’t live in it either. We have to move on and build a future together – that’s the most important thing.”
Viewers react to King's position
Walker drew the segment to a conclusion, saying: “Later today, His Majesty is expected to address Commonwealth leaders, where he hopes to bring the Family of Nations together as the political storm continues.”
But viewers were fuming at the thought of King Charles being put in an awkward place by Burnham, with one tweeting in response: “So the PM is happy to open the apology can of worms right before the King has to stand up and speak, then pretends it’s no big deal. Convenient timing or what?” Another said: “Bolsheviks like Burnham have no need for the Royal Family as they stand in his way to achieve peak totalitarianism.”
