Charles expresses sorrow as Caribbean republic debate grows

King Charles expressed personal sorrow over the transatlantic slave trade at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, while leaders from the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda discussed the possibility of replacing him as head of state. In his summit address, Charles said the slave trade filled his heart with horror and his soul with profound personal sorrow. He did not apologize. He also praised the Royal Navy’s role in enforcing the end of slavery after abolition, while the historical record includes the navy’s earlier protection of slave-trading vessels and Caribbean colonies that relied on enslaved labour. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis said he was open to the country becoming a republic, but stressed that a referendum would be necessary and that the question was not on his current agenda. Davis said his May reelection mandate did not include a referendum on the monarchy and that the decision would be for Bahamians. Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he personally favored Antigua and Barbuda becoming a republic. He also said constitutional requirements meant voters would have to decide in a referendum. Neither leader announced that a referendum had been...