King Charles labels Britain’s slave‑trade past a ‘shameful chapter’ at CHOGM

King Charles used his opening address at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua to acknowledge Britain’s historic involvement in the trans‑Atlantic slave trade. He described that period as a “shameful chapter” in the nation’s history.

While the monarch’s words satisfied some who have long pressed for an official apology, he stopped short of issuing one, leaving the question of reparations unresolved. The speech came after repeated calls from Commonwealth leaders for the United Kingdom to formally apologise for its role in the slave trade.

British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Badenoch, responded to a question about reparations by saying she did not agree with the notion that the UK should reconsider its Commonwealth membership over the issue. The king’s remarks, however, underscored the growing pressure on the government to address the legacy of slavery within the Commonwealth framework.