King Charles To Address Slave Trade Legacy With ‘Sincere Sorrow’ In Antigua

King Charles III is expected to speak candidly about the lasting harm caused by the transatlantic slave trade when he addresses Commonwealth leaders in Antigua on Tuesday.

Buckingham Palace said the King would confront the “most shameful aspects” of Britain’s past with “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow”, while respecting ongoing discussions among governments about the issue.

His remarks come after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to the UK formally apologising for its role in slavery, marking a shift in the government’s position. The Palace was reportedly informed of Burnham’s comments before they were published, but the King’s speech has not been changed in response.

Britain has never formally apologised for slavery or agreed to pay reparations. Asked whether the King would comment on the government’s policy, a Palace spokesperson said it would not be appropriate for him to address the matter.

The speech will take place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the final stop of the King’s Caribbean tour.

Earlier in the trip, Charles spoke about past suffering in the Bahamas and visited a site in Guyana associated with a slave rebellion in which hundreds of enslaved people were killed.

The tour has also included engagements on environmental issues, youth opportunities and trade ties with the UK.