This story has moved on: King Charles begins Caribbean tour acknowledging slavery's suffering

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 28 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

King Charles acknowledged the 'great suffering' caused by British slavery and colonialism during a speech in the Bahamas on the first day of his Caribbean tour.

King Charles began his Caribbean tour in the Bahamas on Tuesday, delivering a speech that acknowledged British slavery and colonialism's impact on the region. Speaking at a youth rally at Clifford Park, the historic site of Bahamian independence in 1973, he said: 'Some of what is best in Bahamian culture today, the most joyful, the most hopeful, the most bright was born out of darkness.'

The King stated it was 'only right that we should acknowledge the great suffering and injustices of the past in these islands and beyond', while noting the need to build new opportunities for the future. He confirmed that the legacy of slavery would be discussed at a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting he will attend in Antigua and Barbuda next week.

However, the King stopped short of issuing a formal apology or addressing calls for reparations. Campaigners responded that his acknowledgment 'falls far short of what justice requires'. While the King received a mostly warm welcome from Bahamians, protesters were also present carrying placards saying 'Pay us what you owe us'.

How it is being reported

• King Charles pays emotional tribute to fallen troops on solemn second day of Caribbean tourThe King spent time in the bright heat in Coral Harbour in The Bahamas today, where he spent time with members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force on the second day of his Caribbean tourThe Mirror · 28 Oct, 18:07
• King Charles tells Bahamians he recognizes 'great suffering of the past'King Charles kicked off a tour of the Caribbean amid growing calls for an apology and reparations for Britain's role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.UPI · 28 Oct, 14:01
• King Charles acknowledging slave trade suffering in Bahamas speech 'falls far short' say campaignersThe monarch acknowledged the 'great suffering and injustices of the past' on the first day of his Caribbean tour, but an advocate group has claimed the comments 'fall short of what justice requires'The Mirror · 28 Oct, 12:33

In this story: King Charles · Bahamas · Britain · Nassau · Antigua and Barbuda · Commonwealth

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