King Charles used his keynote address to Commonwealth leaders to avoid endorsing any British apology for slavery, stressing instead that “we cannot change the past”.
The monarch did acknowledge that the transatlantic trade in enslaved people “still casts a shadow”. He described the period as a “shameful chapter of history” that fills him with “horror” and brings “the most profound personal sorrow”.
The 77-year-old King, who appeared slightly fatigued after a demanding week-long tour of the Caribbean, 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 would consider discussions about an apology, while ruling out reparations. Campaigners, meanwhile, argue that the time has come for Britain to make financial restitution.
Speaking in Antigua and Barbuda, the King addressed the issue directly: “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 address to Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre
He added: “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 role in ending the international slave trade, saying: “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 in the campaign to abolish the global trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played a leading role.
He said that listening, learning and deepening his understanding of the issue had strengthened his commitment to a modern partnership focused on confronting historic wrongs through practical action for the future.
The King pointed to expanding access to education, investing in employment and opportunity, boosting trade between Commonwealth countries and strengthening climate resilience as ways to support communities facing poverty and disadvantage.
“I have always tried to play my part in doing just that,” he said. “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.”
He argued that the modern Commonwealth should not be defined solely by its history, but by its response to present-day challenges, adding that its purpose is now more important 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,” Charles said.
Addressing about 1,200 delegates, the King formally opened the leaders’ session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM. He wore a grey suit with a lilac tie.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrives for the opening of the meeting in Antigua and Barbuda
Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets actor Sir Idris Elba before the meeting in Antigua
The 15-minute speech also focused on climate change, international trade and youth opportunity.
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Charles ended it by saying: ‘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.’
There was a short round of applause after his speech. The only reaction was some laughter from the room when Charles described Antigua as ‘small island, big vibes’.
Following the speech, a choir and various performances in costume took to the stage to dance and sing a sequence of scenes for around half an hour.
They told the history of Antigua and Barbuda, with references to slavery in the performances and images in a video played out on a screen behind Charles, seeming to depict slaves working the land.
‘What happened in the darkness must come to the light,’ shouted one of the singing dancers, during the performance, as Charles watched from his seat.
The performances and videos also referenced climate and environmental issues. At times, Charles tapped his feet and clapped his fingers in time to the music.
After the performances, the ‘family photo’ was taken of all Commonwealth member states on stage.
Security around the conference centre was tight but some protestors had gathered along the roads surrounding the site ahead of the King’s arrival, holding placards and wearing T-shirts which read: ‘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.’
Activists hold signs calling for slavery reparations as the meeting takes place in Antigua today
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 before the meeting today
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, wearing a sapphire blue embroidered tunic top and palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine, His Majesty was greeted at the National Performing Arts Centre of Antigua and Barbuda, marking the start of the leaders’ segment of the summit.
They were welcomed by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, his wife Lady Williams and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.
Inside the auditorium, the opening ceremony commenced with a fanfare followed by the National Anthem of Antigua and Barbuda played on steel drums and a short prayer.
The run-up to the meeting has been dominated by a row over reparations following Mr Burnham’s decision to reveal he was open to starting a dialogue with former colonies over a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade on the eve of the meeting of 56 Commonwealth nations in the Caribbean.
He has ruled out Britain paying compensation, but that has done little to dampen down the growing chorus of demands.
It has placed Charles, as head of the Commonwealth and head of state in a number of Caribbean nations, in an invidious position, as he also follows the advice of the British government.
Earlier, Buckingham Palace vowed the King would address the issue in his opening speech today with ‘unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect’.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, who earlier this week openly spoke of his hope that his country would ditch Charles as King and reiterated his demands for reparations, addressed the issues again.
Speaking with Charles sitting on a large white armchair before him, he 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 though structured, inclusive dialogue on the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism, with a determination to make progress and the willingness to build consensus.’