Charles Voices Regret Over Slavery as Commonwealth Summit Opens

WHO:

ABC News World - King Charles III addressed world leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

BBC - The King spoke to summit leaders, many of whom, according to the BBC, wanted more from the UK.

BBC - Daniela Relph reported from Antigua as the BBC’s senior royal correspondent.

NY Post - The article argued that the UK owed no apology for slavery.

WHAT:

ABC News World - King Charles III called the transatlantic slave trade a “shameful chapter of history.”

BBC - The King called the slave trade a “shameful chapter.”

BBC - The King said: “The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future.”

BBC - The King said, “Evil need not have the last word.”

BBC - The King expressed sorrow and contrition but made no direct apology and offered no reparations.

Drudge Report - Its headline described King Charles as decrying the “monstrous injustice” of the slave trade.

NY Post - The article said it was “perverse” for the UK to consider a formal apology, describing slavery as once a universal phenomenon and Britain as having an honored role in ending it.

WHERE:

ABC News World - The address took place at the official opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua.

BBC - Daniela Relph reported from Antigua.

WHY:

BBC - The King said he had become more committed to addressing past wrongs through modern partnership after learning more about the issues.

BBC - The King emphasized looking to the future and giving the Commonwealth’s next generation the best opportunities.

HOW:

BBC - The King said he had developed his understanding by “listening, learning and looking.”

BBC - The King described action for the future and modern partnership as ways to address past wrongs.

(UPDATED November 4, 2026 00:00 UTC)

King Charles called the transatlantic slave trade a “shameful chapter” while addressing Commonwealth leaders in Antigua. He expressed sorrow and contrition, but made no direct apology and offered no reparations. Charles urged modern partnership to address past wrongs and create better opportunities for future generations.