The King to speak about slavery with 'unflinching honesty'

The King will speak about slavery with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow" in a speech to Commonwealth leaders amid increasing pressure for Britain to offer an apology over its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Charles will deliver the opening address at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (CHOGN) on Tuesday, after Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "open" to offering the association of 56 member states the opportunity to discuss a slavery apology from Britain.

As the head of the Commonwealth, it would not be appropriate for Charles to talk about UK government policy during his speech in Antigua and Barbuda, and he will not be apologising there, according to Sky's royal correspondent Laura Bundock.

On whether he could offer an apology in the future, Ms Bundock said that the conversation in this respect "has shifted forwards significantly".

The King's words at the summit will focus primarily on encouraging solutions to global challenges and opportunities for the "family of nations".

Some Caribbean countries made further calls for Britain to apologise for its role in selling enslaved people, and for reparations, before the King left the UK for his nine-day tour of the region, which has included a state visit to Guyana and a trip to the Bahamas.

Ahead of the visit, it was understood ministers had not advised Charles to offer an apology or reparations, in keeping with established policy.

But the potential for an apology was then thrown back into focus when Mr Burnham wrote in the Guardian on Friday: "We are offering a structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade.

"Listening to calls for a formal apology on behalf of the British state will form an important part of this process and I am open to them."

The prime minister expressed his "sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions" but ruled out financial reparations.

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A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "As we have indicated, the King will not shy away from confronting the most shameful aspects of the past during this visit.

"You may therefore expect him to address them in his speech with unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect for the wider discussions that will be taking place between relevant governments on this issue at CHOGM and beyond.

"He will be speaking at CHOGM in his capacity as head of the Commonwealth. It would not be appropriate for him to address matters of particular policy relating to the UK government's position.

"In keeping with the CHOGM agenda of 'Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth', His Majesty's speech will therefore primarily focus on encouraging practical solutions and united efforts to address global challenges and opportunities relevant to all 56 members of the Commonwealth family today."

The palace was told of Mr Burnham's change to the government's position on a slavery apology in a timely manner, and there has been no need for alterations to the King's speech or his CHOGM programme after the article.

Charles started his nine-day visit last Tuesday by acknowledging the "great suffering of the past" in a speech at a youth rally in the Bahamas.

Ahead of his visit to Guyana, the nation's president Mohamed Irfaan Ali said Charles had recognised slavery as the "darkest days in human history", but an apology would be "the next step".

Before departing from Guyana on Friday, the King visited Independence Park in the capital, Georgetown, where 33 people involved in the Demerara Rebellion of 1823 were hanged.

The Queen arrived in Antigua a few days ago and was joined by Charles late on Friday night, with the couple enjoying a rest day together on Saturday.

Of the CHOGM event, with the wording of the speech now set to come under heavy scrutiny, a senior palace aide said: "His Majesty is well practised on the diplomatic tightrope, as you've seen again several times this year. He is up for challenging visits with complex issues and relationships in play.

"He sees it as his role to 'bat for Britain', the realms and wider Commonwealth, promoting, protecting and enhancing relationships at the highest level."

(c) Sky News 2026: The King to speak about slavery with 'unflinching honesty'