Lasting harm of slave trade to feature as king addresses slavery during commonwealth speech in antigua on final caribbean tour

Speech planned in Antigua

Buckingham Palace said King Charles would speak about the enduring pain caused by the transatlantic slave trade during the final part of his Caribbean tour. The address will take place at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua.

A Palace spokesperson said the Commonwealth brings together leaders who can cooperate and know one another. The King’s remarks are expected to acknowledge the issue while respecting discussions between relevant governments at the meeting and afterward.

Debate over Britain’s response

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he was open to the possibility of a formal British apology for the country’s role in slavery. In a Guardian article, he described the trade as a brutal violation and said Britain must confront its past.

The British government has not formally apologised for slavery or offered reparations. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said what she called continuing talk about apologies distracts from addressing present-day problems. Royal sources said decisions on an apology belong to the government, not the Palace.

Tour includes slavery history

The Caribbean visit has brought renewed attention to the UK’s colonial legacy in the region. In Guyana, the King visited Independence Park, the site of public executions after the 1823 Demerara Slave Rebellion, alongside Steven Jacobs of Guyana’s culture ministry.

Queen Camilla is accompanying the King in Antigua. They are due to attend a church service on Sunday morning before joining celebrations for the island’s Independence Day.

King’s health and family matters

The King is still receiving cancer treatment following his diagnosis in early 2024. The Palace says his health remains on a positive trajectory. Asked whether the King believed his handling of family matters had been right for public confidence in the monarchy, a senior aide replied, “Yes,” and said that was why he takes the actions he does. Recent months have also brought developments involving his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and a book by his former brother-in-law, Earl Spencer.