King Charles on slave trade: 'Shameful' history fills heart with horror

King Charles speech in Antigua

King Charles delivered a keynote Commonwealth speech in Antigua and Barbuda today.

King avoids British apology

The King pointedly avoided any suggestion of a British apology over slavery in his Commonwealth speech.

King acknowledges slave trade impact

Charles acknowledged the transatlantic slave trade 'still casts a shadow' and fills his heart with horror.

“the transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands”

King's historical perspective

The King stated history is not ours to choose or change but bequeathed to us by forebears.

“history is not ours to choose or to change”

King's personal sorrow

Charles said the shameful chapter of history fills his heart with horror and soul with profound sorrow.

“that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow”

King's historical lessons

The King referenced Britain's role in ending the global slave trade as a lesson in overcoming injustice.

“the Royal Navy played such a leading role”

King's commitment to action

Charles committed to finding ways to address past wrongs through modern partnership and action.

“finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future”

King's climate and trade focus

The speech also focused on climate change, international trade and youth opportunity.

“The 15-minute speech also focused on climate change, international trade and youth opportunity”

King's closing message

Charles urged Commonwealth leaders to recommit to a future where young people can look forward with confidence.

“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”

King's reception with leaders

The King hosted Prime Minister Andy Burnham at a reception for new Commonwealth Heads of Government.

“The King hosted the Prime Minister at a reception for new Commonwealth Heads of Government at Weatherills Hotel in Antigua and Barbuda”

Burnham's reaction

Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the King's CHOGM speech 'perfect' after the address.

“Mr Burnham told the King his CHOGM speech was perfect afterwards”

Protesters demand reparations

Activists held signs calling for slavery reparations as the meeting took place in Antigua.

“Crimes against humanity could never be legal. Apologise now”

King's environmental work

The King and Queen participated in beach clean-ups and environmental projects in Antigua.

“The King was shocked that 71 bags of rubbish were collected from the beach in just two hours”

Queen's environmental message

Queen Camilla thanked volunteers for their marine protection efforts and environmental projects.

“Thank goodness for all of you”

King's historical awareness

Charles expressed his commitment to understanding history through listening and learning.

“The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking”

King's future focus

Charles emphasized the Commonwealth's role in addressing contemporary challenges through modern partnership.

“The Commonwealth of today is not merely a product of the past, it is a response to the world of today”