King Charles has described the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter of history" that "fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow," speaking to Commonwealth leaders without issuing an apology on behalf of the UK.
The King made the remarks in a speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), delivered in front of presidents and prime ministers. The address comes amid mounting pressure on the monarch and Prime Minister Andy Burnham to acknowledge the UK's role in the slave trade.
King Reflects on the Past
In his speech, King Charles said: "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. The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other Members of our Commonwealth. 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 continued: "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. The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future."
Prime Minister's Policy Shift
The King did not make an apology on behalf of the UK, despite Prime Minister Andy Burnham having said earlier in the week that he was "open to" considering one, according to Hello! Magazine.
On Tuesday, King Charles said his commitment was growing to find ways to "address the wrongs of the past with action for the future." Prime Minister Burnham announced a change in long-established Government policy and made an offer of talks on a slavery apology, but said financial reparations would not be the right solution.
