King expected to address Britain’s role in the slave trade

Summary

King Charles is expected to speak about the UK’s role in the transatlantic slave trade at a Commonwealth leaders’ meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, with “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow,” The Guardian reports. Historian and columnist Olivette Otele argues that the government should apologize and says Britain struggles to confront the harm and lasting legacies of slavery. This follows reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was open to calls for an apology, ruled out financial reparations and was open to discussing debt restructuring.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   3 Nov 2026, 13:52 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian’s Olivette Otele says King Charles is expected to address Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade at the Commonwealth meeting and argues that the government should apologize.