King Charles brands UK slave trade ‘monstrous’ – but stops short of offering apology

(The Independent) During a speech to Commonwealth leaders in the Caribbean on 3rd November, 2026, King Charles expressed profound sorrow regarding the transatlantic slave trade but did not offer a formal apology. While Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled openness to an apology and approved £40m in aid for the Caribbean, he has ruled out direct financial reparations.

The King has said the slave trade “fills my heart with horror” – but stopped short of offering an apology – in a speech to Commonwealth leaders as the UK faces mounting demands to pay reparations for its role in the slave trade.

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King Charles told a summit in the Caribbean: “The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth.