Buckingham Palace has said the King’s role as head of the Commonwealth is “inspiring and convening, rather than policy making”, distancing him from debate over whether the UK should formally apologise for slavery or pay reparations. Commonwealth leaders are gathering for a summit in Antigua and Barbuda.
The King is due to speak on Tuesday and is expected to acknowledge slavery’s painful legacy. His remarks will reflect the UK government’s position, while decisions on an apology or reparations rest with political leaders, the Palace said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the UK must confront its past and that he is open to discussing a formal apology. However, his spokesperson said on Monday that Burnham’s expression of sorrow and regret was distinct from an apology. Any formal apology, the spokesperson added, should be discussed with the countries and communities most affected. Burnham has ruled out financial reparations.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK was “self-confident enough to have this conversation”. He said a dialogue would consider whether and how an apology could acknowledge history, help heal divisions and support stronger future relationships. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called continued discussion of apologies a distraction from current problems in the UK.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne wants reparations discussed, saying slavery’s consequences have not disappeared over time. The question of an apology is expected to feature at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which brings together leaders from 56 member states every two years.
The King arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Friday after visits to the Bahamas and Guyana. On Monday, he and Queen Camilla toured a museum at Government House, viewing objects linked to slavery, including shackles and diagrams of ships carrying enslaved people.
The Palace described the King as a unifying figure whose contribution includes connecting Commonwealth leaders, institutions and investors. It said his work helps create conditions for initiatives led by the organisation to develop and succeed.
Sources: BBC News UK.