King Charles avoided endorsing any suggestion of a British apology for slavery in his keynote Commonwealth speech, stressing that “we cannot change the past”.
The monarch did acknowledge, however, that the transatlantic slave trade “still casts a shadow”. He said the “shameful chapter of history” filled his heart “with horror” and his soul “with the most profound personal sorrow”.
The 77-year-old King, who appeared slightly tired after a demanding week-long Caribbean tour, has found himself caught between British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Caribbean campaigners in his role as head of the Commonwealth.
Mr Burnham sparked controversy by saying he was open to discussions about an apology but not reparations, while protesters argue that the time has come for the UK to pay compensation.
Addressing the issue in Antigua and Barbuda, the King said: “None of us, of course, would be here today were it not for our history, which has shaped us in myriad ways. History is not ours to choose or to change.
“It is bequeathed to us in complex synthesis by forebears we can never know. Our inheritance includes both their achievements and their failures – the good they did as well as the wrongs.
“History can be hard to compass, viewed as it is through the prism of time, which can be both clarifying and distorting, and yet its consequences resonate with contemporary force.
“Our history inspires us, can appal us, yet it can always teach us. We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past.
King Charles delivers his keynote speech to Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda
King Charles attends a reception for new heads of government in Antigua
King Charles speaks with Andy Burnham and other heads of government during his Antigua tour
Queen Camilla shakes hands with Marie-France van Heel, the wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, during a visit to Princess Margaret School
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre
“The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth. As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow.”
The King then highlighted Britain’s leading role in ending the international slave trade, saying: “And yet history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word; that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role.
“The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future.
“Through improving access to education, investing in jobs and opportunities, encouraging intra-Commonwealth trade, and inspiring vital climate resilience measures across the world, I have always felt that there is so much that can be done to help lift up those who struggle against hardship and disadvantage.
“I have always tried to play my part in doing just that. For, as any sailor navigating the seas knows, we cannot command the winds, least of all where the winds of yesterday have delivered us – but we can choose how we set our sails.
“The Commonwealth of today is not merely a product of the past – it is a response to the world of today. Its vocation is more compelling than ever.
“In fact, in a desperately troubled world, the Commonwealth has welcomed new members who see the unique value of this organisation and have chosen to be part of its future.”
Speaking to an audience of about 1,200 delegates, the King, dressed in a grey suit and lilac tie, formally opened the leaders’ segment of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting summit.
Queen Camilla with Marie-France van Heel, Mr Burnham’s wife, and Jodie Haydon, the wife of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Queen Camilla speaks with a student during a visit to Princess Margaret School
Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrives for the opening of the meeting in Antigua and Barbuda
Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets actor Sir Idris Elba ahead of the meeting in Antigua
The 15-minute address also covered climate change, international trade and opportunities for young people.
Charles concluded: “Above all, Ladies and Gentlemen, I trust that each of you will recommit yourselves to a Commonwealth in which our young people can look to the future with greater confidence and purpose.
“So that from this remarkable family of nations, our people can draw inspiration and hope – just as I, myself, have always done.”
His speech was followed by brief applause. The only notable reaction came when Charles described Antigua as a “small island, big vibes”, prompting laughter from the audience.
A choir and performers in traditional costume then took the stage for about 30 minutes, singing and dancing through a series of scenes.
The performance traced the history of Antigua and Barbuda, including references to slavery. Images shown on a screen behind Charles appeared to depict enslaved people working the land.
“What happened in the darkness must come to the light,” one singing dancer shouted during the performance as the King watched from his seat.
The performances and accompanying videos also addressed climate and environmental concerns. At times, Charles tapped his feet and clapped along with the music.
After the performances, representatives of all Commonwealth member states gathered on stage for a “family photo”.
Security around the conference centre was tight. Ahead of the King’s arrival, however, protesters gathered along nearby roads, holding placards and wearing T-shirts bearing messages including: “Crimes against humanity could never be legal. Apologise now”; “You say you regret so apologise. Reparatory justice now”; and “Apologise for the greatest crime against humanity and let’s have reparatory justice.”
King Charles stands with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and other leaders at a welcome reception for new heads of government
Activists hold signs calling for slavery reparations during the meeting in Antigua
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, walks with Gaston Browne, left, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, at the Government House Museum in St John’s ahead of the meeting
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, who wore a sapphire-blue embroidered tunic and palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine, the King was welcomed at Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre as the leaders’ section of the summit began.
They were greeted by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, his wife Lady Williams and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.
Inside the auditorium, the opening ceremony began with a fanfare, followed by Antigua and Barbuda’s national anthem, performed on steel drums, and a short prayer.
The run-up to the meeting has been dominated by a dispute over slavery reparations. Mr Burnham revealed on the eve of the gathering of 56 Commonwealth nations in the Caribbean that he was willing to begin talks with former colonies about a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Although he has ruled out financial compensation from Britain, his position has done little to quiet the growing demands for reparatory justice.
The issue has put Charles, as head of the Commonwealth and head of state in several Caribbean nations, in a difficult position, particularly because he also acts on the advice of the British government.
Buckingham Palace had earlier promised that the King would address the subject in his opening speech with “unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect”.
Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, also returned to the issue in his opening remarks. Earlier in the week, he had spoken openly about his hope that the country would remove Charles as King and repeated his call for reparations.
With Charles seated in a large white armchair in front of him, Mr Browne said: “In Samoa, where the previous CHOGM was held, we agreed that the time had come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation on reparatory justice.
“We must now carry that commitment forward through structured, inclusive dialogue on the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism, with a determination to make progress and the willingness to build consensus.”
