Charles III to address British slavery at Commonwealth
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Africanews
King Charles III is to address Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade with “honesty” and “sincere sorrow”, according to Buckingham Palace. The speech, scheduled for Tuesday before Commonwealth leaders, comes as Caribbean countries call for an official apology and reparations, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham rules out the latter.
King Charles III said he would address Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade with “unflinching honesty and sincere sorrow” in a speech scheduled for Tuesday before Commonwealth leaders. Buckingham Palace announced the remarks on Saturday, according to Associated Press.
The statement comes during the nine-day Caribbean tour by the King and Queen, whose final stop is in Antigua and Barbuda. Several Caribbean countries are calling for an official apology from the British state and reparations. The palace said Charles III would respect discussions between governments and would not address policy choices that fall to the British government.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to an apology but ruled out reparations, according to Associated Press. The King had already referred to past suffering at the start of his tour.
Charles III’s statement follows remarks by Andy Burnham, who said he was open to an apology over slavery while refusing reparations. The debate also follows London’s rejection of reparations demands, announced on 1 November.
