# King calls slave trade a ‘shameful chapter’ during Commonwealth address

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/king-calls-slave-trade-a-shameful-chapter-during-commonwealth-address/
- Published: 2026-11-03T20:38:38+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T23:02:54+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Politics (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr89znnnn7dno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Government, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Charles expressed sorrow over the slave trade’s legacy.
- He did not make a formal apology.
- Burnham ruled out financial reparations.

## Summary

King Charles described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter” that caused him “profound sorrow” as he opened a Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda. He said its legacy still casts a shadow over Commonwealth countries and called for modern partnerships to address past wrongs, but did not issue a formal apology.

Some have urged the UK to apologise for its historic role in the trade. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was open to an apology but ruled out financial reparations, while supporting development assistance, debt support and green finance for Commonwealth countries. The biennial summit brings together leaders from 56 states, many of them former British Empire territories.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.