King Charles to Address Slavery at Commonwealth Summit in Antigua, Closing Caribbean Tour
King Charles will confront the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in a Tuesday speech opening the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, amid UK debate on a fo...
POLICY WIRE — St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — King Charles III is set to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting with a speech that tackles the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade, pledging candid acknowledgment and sincere sorrow.
The monarch arrived in Antigua after solo visits to the Bahamas and Guyana, and will be accompanied by Queen Camilla for the final segment of his Caribbean itinerary.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he is willing to discuss a formal apology for the United Kingdom’s role in slavery but rejected the notion of reparations, a stance that adds pressure on the king’s forthcoming remarks.
Burnham’s comments have intensified scrutiny of the upcoming address, prompting observers to watch for any indication of an official apology.
Scheduled for Tuesday, the speech marks the conclusion of a three‑nation tour that began earlier this month, highlighting the Commonwealth’s renewed focus on historical accountability.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
