Britain's King Charles said on Friday the Commonwealth should acknowledge its "painful" history, as African and Caribbean nations continue to advocate for reparations for the country's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

King Charles has acknowledged that “the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” as leaders of countries linked to Britain raise the issue of reparations for slavery. The King, 75, making his first speech as Head of the Commonwealth in Samoa on Friday, Oct. 25, urged leaders to find “creative ways” to conquer inequalities.

Nations across Asia, Africa, Caribbean are pressing the UK to offer apology, pay slavery reparations - Anadolu Ajansı

King Charles III told a summit of Commonwealth countries in Samoa on Friday (October 25, 2024) that the past could not be changed as he indirectly acknowledged calls from some of Britain’s former colonies for a reckoning over its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

King Charles III acknowledged colonial injustices at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa, emphasizing the need to learn from the past. While he refrained from discussing reparations, he called for genuine opportunities within the Commonwealth to address enduring inequalities.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla flew into Samoa late on Wednesday, for a visit during which the monarch will be offered the title of high chief and attend a summit of Commonwealth nations, following a six-day tour of Australia.

King Charles III has told a summit of Commonwealth countries in Samoa that the past could not be changed as he indirectly acknowledged calls from some of Britain’s former colonies for a reckoning over

Britain’s King Charles has said the Commonwealth should acknowledge its “painful” history and urged the organization to “right inequalities that endure” as he opened a meeting of Commonwealth countries in Samoa on Friday.