King Charles III and Queen Camilla will attend an independence parade in Antigua and Barbuda, marking the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. The royal couple’s visit includes meetings with local leaders recognized for their service.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed openness to formal UK apologies for its historical role in the slave trade. Burnham, set to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the Caribbean, stated his personal sorrow and regret for the suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
The visit coincides with growing calls for Britain to formally acknowledge its past involvement in slavery. Antigua and Barbuda, a former British colony, has long sought recognition of its history. The royal visit is seen as a symbolic gesture, though no official apology has been announced.
This follows recent discussions within the UK government about addressing historical injustices. The Commonwealth meeting, hosted in the Caribbean, will bring together leaders from across the British Commonwealth. Antigua’s independence parade is a key event on the agenda.
The royal visit highlights the ongoing dialogue between the UK and former colonies on historical accountability. While no formal apology has been made, the visit underscores the evolving relationship between the UK and its Caribbean territories.
