King acknowledges past suffering as Caribbean tour begins

King Charles has begun his first Caribbean tour as monarch by acknowledging the “great suffering and injustices of the past” linked to the slave trade, while stopping short of an apology or offer of reparations.

Speaking to young people at a rally in the Bahamas on Tuesday, the King said it was “only right” to recognise that history. Buckingham Palace had said before the nine-day visit that he would address the colonial legacy and the impact of the slave trade, but would follow the UK government’s position against apologising or offering reparations.

The tour takes in the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, and comes amid debate about reparatory justice and the monarchy’s future in the region. Leaders in all three countries support reparatory justice, while the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda are among the Caribbean realms where the King remains head of state.

Charles arrived in Nassau to a ceremonial welcome before meeting the Bahamas’ Governor General, Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, and Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis. At Clifford Park, where he attended the country’s independence celebrations as Prince of Wales in 1973, he also spoke about climate change and the risks facing low-lying Caribbean islands.

Buckingham Palace said the schedule in all three countries would include opportunities to reflect on the slave trade’s legacy, including visits to memorials and places of remembrance. It said the programme would also focus on modern partnerships and opportunities for the region.

The King is due to travel to Guyana later this week, with engagements focused on the environment and biodiversity. Queen Camilla will join him in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where Charles is expected to deliver a keynote speech as head of the Commonwealth.