Charles expresses sorrow over slavery but offers no apology

King Charles III told Commonwealth leaders on Tuesday that the transatlantic slave trade remained a shameful chapter of history, expressing personal sorrow and a stronger commitment to addressing its legacy through modern partnerships but offering no apology. In his opening speech at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda, Charles said the trade still cast a shadow over member countries. He said learning more about the issue through listening and study had strengthened his resolve to find ways for countries to build partnerships that address past wrongs. He pointed to education, jobs, trade and climate resilience as areas for cooperation. The speech followed growing calls from Caribbean leaders for Britain to issue a formal apology and pay reparations for its role in the trade. Buckingham Palace had said Charles would address Britain’s history with “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow,” while making clear that his role was not to set UK government policy. The Palace has described his Commonwealth work as bringing leaders, institutions and investors together to encourage collaboration. The British government has not formally apologized for its role in the...