Britain's King Charles III, center, gestures before an exhibition cricket match at the Sir Vivian Richards cricket ground in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, Nov. 1, 2026 -

Last updated: 34 minutes ago

Caribbean

King Charles will address Britain's role in transatlantic slavery with “unflinching honesty and sincere sorrow,” Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.

On the eve of a major speech to Commonwealth leaders, Britain’s King Charles III met artists and youth groups at Antigua and Barbuda’s Government House.

The royal couple are on their final leg of a nine-day tour of the Caribbean during which they’ve faced renewed scrutiny of Britain's historical role in transatlantic slavery.

Charles began the tour with an acknowledgment of "the great suffering of the past.”

But some Caribbean nations are calling for a formal apology on behalf of the British state and financial reparations.

On Tuesday, Charles will confront “the most shameful aspects” of British history with “unflinching honesty, and sincere sorrow,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Saturday. The Palace stressed the king’s “respect for the wider discussions that will be taking place between relevant governments on this issue.”

The comments came after UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to Britain apologising but ruled out reparations.

The Palace said it would not be appropriate for Charles to “address matters of particular policy relating to the UK government's position.”

King Charles will address slavery with 'open eyes and true sorrow' in Commonwealth speech

Suggested for you

More Stories

UNICROSS in crisis as ASUU starts strike again after 104 days

Hashim campaign team takes 2027 election push to rural North-West

Nigeria wants to make its own military equipment 61 years after forming DICON

PDP Expels Two Gombe Leaders Over Anti-Party Activities

Three Unions Reject N70,000 Transport Payment, Back TUC Instead

Atiku Criticizes Tinubu Over Pension Problems Facing Retired Police Officers

Discussion