The King avoided any suggestion that Britain should apologise for slavery in his keynote speech to Commonwealth leaders, stressing that “we cannot change the past”.
Charles nevertheless acknowledged that the transatlantic slave trade “still casts a shadow”, describing the “shameful chapter of history” as one that filled his heart with horror and his soul with “the most profound personal sorrow”.
The 77-year-old monarch appeared slightly fatigued after a demanding week-long tour of the Caribbean. As head of the Commonwealth, he has found himself caught between British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Caribbean campaigners pressing for reparations.
Mr Burnham sparked controversy by saying he was willing to discuss an apology but not financial reparations, while protesters have argued that the UK must now pay compensation.
Addressing the issue in Antigua and Barbuda, the King said: “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.”
The King delivers his keynote address to Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda
King Charles attends a reception for newly appointed heads of government in Antigua
King Charles talks with Andy Burnham and other heads of government during his visit to Antigua
Queen Camilla shakes hands with Marie-France van Heel, the wife of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, during a visit to Princess Margaret School
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at Antigua and Barbuda’s National Performing Arts Centre
“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 pointed to Britain’s later role in helping to abolish the international slave trade. “And yet 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 with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role.
“The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future.
“Through improving access to education, investing in jobs and opportunities, encouraging intra-Commonwealth trade, and inspiring vital climate resilience measures across the world, I have always felt that there is so much that can be done to help lift up those who struggle against hardship and disadvantage.
“I have always tried to play my part in doing just that. 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.
“The Commonwealth of today is not merely a product of the past – it is a response to the world of today. Its vocation is more compelling 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.”
Speaking to about 1,200 delegates, Charles, dressed in a grey suit and lilac tie, formally opened the leaders’ session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting summit.
Camilla with Marie-France van Heel and Jodie Haydon, the wife of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Camilla talks with a student during her visit to Princess Margaret School
Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrives for the opening of the meeting in Antigua and Barbuda
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets actor Sir Idris Elba before the meeting in Antigua
The 15-minute address also highlighted climate change, international trade and opportunities for young people.
Charles concluded: “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.”
The speech was followed by a brief round of applause. The audience’s only notable reaction came when Charles described Antigua as a “small island, big vibes”, prompting laughter.
A choir and performers in traditional costumes then took to the stage for roughly 30 minutes of singing and dancing.
Their performance traced the history of Antigua and Barbuda, including references to slavery. A video shown behind Charles appeared to depict enslaved people working the land.
“What happened in the darkness must come to the light,” one singing dancer shouted during the performance as the King watched from his seat.
The show and accompanying footage also addressed climate and environmental concerns. Charles occasionally tapped his feet and fingers in time with the music.
The ceremony ended with a “family photo” featuring representatives of all Commonwealth member states on stage.
Security was tight around the conference centre, where protesters gathered along nearby roads before the King’s arrival. They carried placards and wore T-shirts bearing messages including: “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.”
King Charles with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, and other leaders at a reception welcoming new heads of government
Activists display signs demanding slavery reparations as the meeting takes place in Antigua
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
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, who wore a sapphire-blue embroidered tunic and palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine, His Majesty was welcomed at the National Performing Arts Centre of Antigua and Barbuda for the start of the summit’s leaders’ session.
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams, his wife Lady Williams and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey greeted the royal couple.
Inside the auditorium, the opening ceremony began with a fanfare, followed by Antigua and Barbuda’s national anthem played on steel drums and a short prayer.
The meeting had been overshadowed by a dispute over reparations. Mr Burnham revealed shortly before the gathering of 56 Commonwealth nations in the Caribbean that he was open to a dialogue with former colonies about a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Although he has ruled out Britain paying compensation, the decision has done little to quiet demands for reparations.
The issue has left Charles in a difficult position. He is both head of the Commonwealth and head of state in several Caribbean nations, while also acting on the advice of the British Government.
Buckingham Palace had earlier said the King would address the subject in his opening speech with “unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect”.
Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, also returned to the issue in his opening remarks. Earlier in the week, he had spoken openly of his hope that the country would remove Charles as King and repeated his demands for reparations.
With Charles seated in a large white armchair opposite him, Mr Browne 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 through structured, inclusive dialogue on the enduring consequences of slavery and colonialism, with a determination to make progress and the willingness to build consensus.”
