The King's upcoming remarks follow earlier stops across the Caribbean where he acknowledged historical suffering and visited a rebellion site. Buckingham Palace affirmed that his speech will proceed as planned despite political discussions regarding potential formal apologies from the United Kingdom. Throughout the tour, Queen Camilla has accompanied him for events focused on trade, youth, and the environment ahead of national independence celebrations. The demanding international schedule continues as the monarch maintains a positive health trajectory during ongoing cancer treatments.
Key points
Decisions regarding financial reparations or formal state apologies for slavery remain th…: Decisions regarding financial reparations or formal state apologies for slavery remain the responsibility of government policy rather than the crown.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the King made no alterations to his scheduled address after b…: Buckingham Palace confirmed the King made no alterations to his scheduled address after being briefed on the Prime Minister's remarks.
The monarch continues to maintain an active international travel schedule while undergoin…: The monarch continues to maintain an active international travel schedule while undergoing treatment following a cancer diagnosis in early 2024.
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- Published
King Charles is to speak with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow" on the lasting pain of the transatlantic slave trade, during the final leg of his Caribbean tour in Antigua, Buckingham Palace has said.
The King will address Commonwealth leaders on Tuesday in a speech which will touch on the issue.
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "open" to the possibility of the UK formally apologising for its role in slavery - a change in the government's stance.
It is understood that the Palace had been told in advance of Burnham's comments in an opinion piece on Friday night, and that the King has not made any changes to his speech in light of the comments.
The British government has never formally apologised for slavery or offered to pay reparations.
Burnham has previously stuck with the policy of his predecessors, and stopped short of offering any consideration of reparation payments.
The King will make his speech on Tuesday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
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