Commonwealth chief calls on King Charles to apologise for slavery
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 05:32 · Archive
The Commonwealth secretary-general has called on King Charles to apologise for Britain's historical role in the slave trade ahead of his Caribbean tour.
The Commonwealth secretary-general Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has called on King Charles to apologise for Britain's historical involvement in the slave trade. Speaking to Sky News ahead of the King's Caribbean tour, she said an apology 'wouldn't hurt' and that the 'time has come' for discussion about reparations. When asked if the monarch should apologise, she responded: 'That's what the countries have asked for... It wouldn't hurt to have that. Not at all.'
Charles is scheduled to visit the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, during which he will deliver speeches in each location. Buckingham Palace has said the King will address 'the darkest days of our past' but is not expected to issue an apology. The Palace stated that the King takes the issue of slavery and reparations 'very seriously' and 'feels personal sorrow at the suffering of so many'.
The King is following government advice not to offer an official apology or reparations. Caribbean campaigners and envoys from Jamaica and other former British colonies have petitioned the monarch to support their campaign for compensation for the slave trade. A Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is expected to see reparations debated during the trip.
How it is being reported
- 'King Charles 'should apologise for slavery' ahead of Caribbean trip - 'it wouldn't hurt'Caribbean campaigners have called for slavery reparations to be on the upcoming trip's agenda.Daily Express · 23 Oct, 05:12
- Commonwealth chief calls on King Charles to apologise for Britain’s historical role in slave trade‘I don’t believe we can run away from it’ said Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey ahead of the monarch’s Caribbean tourThe Independent · 22 Oct, 19:11
In this story: King Charles · Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey · Commonwealth · Bahamas · Guyana · Antigua and Barbuda · Jamaica · Britain
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