King Charles III of the United Kingdom has publicly described the transatlantic slave trade as a shameful chapter in human history, expressing deep regret for its enduring impact on Commonwealth nations.
The monarch’s remarks came during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Addressing leaders and dignitaries, King Charles acknowledged that the history of slavery continues to cast a long shadow over the Caribbean and other regions within the Commonwealth.
He described the trade in enslaved Africans as a chapter that “fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow.”
“We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past,” the King said, emphasizing his commitment to listening, learning, and building partnerships that address historical injustices through practical action.
His comments arrive at a time of renewed global calls for recognition and reparative justice for the transatlantic slave trade. On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a landmark resolution, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama with backing from the African Union and CARICOM, declaring the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement the “gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution was adopted with 123 votes in favour.
Looking to the future, King Charles said the Commonwealth must not be defined solely by its painful history. Instead, he urged member states to address the legacy of slavery by expanding access to education, investing in employment and economic opportunities, promoting intra-Commonwealth trade, and supporting climate resilience.
He called on leaders to focus on practical solutions that meet the needs of their people, ensuring that the Commonwealth responds not just to the past, but also to present and future challenges.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com