King Charles III has expressed deep sorrow over the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as a shameful chapter in history whose consequences continue to affect Commonwealth nations.
The King, who is Head of the Commonwealth, said the history of slavery remained a painful part of the shared inheritance of member countries, stressing the importance of learning from past injustices and working towards a better future.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the opening of the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, he acknowledged that history had shaped societies in complex ways, leaving behind both achievements and failures.
“Our inheritance includes both their achievements and their failures, the good they did as well as the wrongs,” he said.
King Charles described the transatlantic trade in enslaved people as a historical injustice that continued to cast a shadow over the Caribbean islands and other Commonwealth nations.
“As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with enormous horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow,” he stated.
He, however, noted that history also demonstrated how courage and determination could overcome injustice, pointing to the campaign to abolish the international trade in enslaved people and the role played by the Royal Navy.
According to the King, although present generations cannot change the actions of those who came before them, they have a responsibility to learn from the past and address its lasting consequences.
“We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past,” he said.
He further called for stronger modern partnerships across the Commonwealth to address historical wrongs through practical measures, including improved access to education, investment in employment opportunities, increased intra-Commonwealth trade and climate resilience initiatives.
King Charles said he had become increasingly committed to finding ways for Commonwealth countries to work together in addressing historical injustices through actions that create opportunities for future generations.
“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,” he said.
He added that the Commonwealth should be viewed not simply as an organisation shaped by history but as a platform responding to contemporary global challenges.
The 28th CHOGM brings together leaders and representatives of Commonwealth member countries to discuss shared priorities and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
