“None of us can change the past,” King Charles has expressed his support for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to rule out reparations for slavery, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical injustices while focusing on future solutions.
During a conversation with leaders in Samoa, the monarch and new head of the Commonwealth highlighted the necessity of recognizing “the most painful aspects of our past.”
King Charles appeared to align with the British Prime Minister’s dismissal of demands from certain Commonwealth leaders, particularly those from the Caribbean, to consider reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, which could potentially cost the UK billions. Instead, he expressed a desire to concentrate on current issues like environmental concerns.
In his inaugural address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, he remarked, “It is an immense pleasure and pride for my wife and me to join you for this 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”
He acknowledged the diverse complexities represented by the Commonwealth, which encompasses a third of the world’s population, and the importance of discussing difficult issues with openness and respect.
King Charles recognized that understanding history is crucial for making informed choices in the future, particularly in addressing inequalities related to opportunities, education, skills training, employment, health, and climate sustainability. He called for the Commonwealth family to adopt a language of community and respect while rejecting division.
“While we cannot change the past, we can wholeheartedly commit to learning from it and finding creative solutions to the inequalities that persist,” he concluded.
