King Charles calls Britain’s slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ at Commonwealth summit

During the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, King Charles condemned the trans‑Atlantic slave trade as a shameful chapter, expressing sorrow but offering no formal apology. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain may issue an apology but has ruled out reparations.

By LAS News Desk · Published 4 Nov 2026, 19:46 WAT

King Charles calls Britain’s slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ at Commonwealth summit — LAS News World graphic

King Charles condemns Britain’s role in the slave trade

King Charles III formally inaugurated the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda on 3 November 2026. Addressing the 56 member nations, the monarch characterized the trans-Atlantic slave trade as a disgraceful era that induces deep horror in him, noting that its legacy continues to overshadow the Commonwealth. The monarch did not issue a formal apology, but he expressed personal sorrow and said his understanding of the legacy of the slave trade had deepened through listening, learning and looking. He expressed a determination to tackle historical injustices through measures aimed at securing future progress.

Background

CHOGM is a biennial summit that brings together leaders from former British colonies. The 2026 summit took place in Antigua and Barbuda under the banner of 'Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth'. Calls for a formal UK apology for its historic involvement in the slave trade had intensified ahead of the summit. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was also present, stated that the government was open to issuing an apology but had ruled out financial reparations. Burnham characterized the gathering as a chance to renew the Commonwealth.

Why it matters

The King's remarks were significant because they acknowledged the moral weight of Britain’s colonial past without taking the step of a formal apology. The absence of an apology was noted by observers who had been urging Britain to formally recognise the injustices of the slave trade. The Prime Minister’s statement that financial reparations would not be offered clarified the UK government’s stance on compensation. The summit itself is a platform for discussing cooperation among Commonwealth nations on issues such as climate change, technology and economic development. The King's speech, therefore, set a tone for the meeting that combined reflection on historical wrongs with a focus on future partnership.

What happens next

The sources do not indicate any immediate follow‑up actions beyond the King's speech and the Prime Minister’s comments. No formal apology was issued, and no reparations were announced. The meeting continued with discussions on the summit’s theme, but no further statements on the slave‑trade issue were reported.