King Charles to reference slavery reparations row at Commonwealth summit: His Majesty to give speech on ‘the importance of recognizing and understanding the path of history’

The King will reference the ongoing – and increasingly controversial – debate over the legacy of slavery and Britain’s role in it in a key Commonwealth speech tomorrow.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, Charles – who inherited the role of head of the organization from his late mother – will speak of ‘the importance of recognizing and understanding the path of history, and where this may have given rise to contemporary challenges.’

He will also express his hope that the Commonwealth family will “find ways of working together to improve equality of opportunity for all, especially young people”, in the face of growing pressure for the UK to pay reparations.

Buckingham Palace has long made it clear that it is not the monarch’s constitutional role to intervene in the matter of a formal apology, or payment of compensation, to affected nations, particularly in the Caribbean.

The King will reference the ongoing – and increasingly controversial – debate over the legacy of slavery and Britain’s role in it in a key Commonwealth speech tomorrow.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose today with members of the local traditional cricket team during their visit to the Samoa Cultural Village

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend an official Royal ‘Ceremonial Ava’ reception at the National University of Samoa today

King Charles visits Le Pupu-Pue National Park, the oldest park in the country

Charles’ hope is that new initiatives like the King’s Fellowships – which will work to combat inequality in small island developing states by providing university scholarships to mid-career professionals – will play a role in righting some of the wrongs of the past

However, Charles hopes that new initiatives such as the King’s Fellowships – which will work to combat inequality in small island developing states by providing university scholarships to mid-career professionals – will play a role in righting some of the wrongs of the past.

He will also make reference to this in his speech to delegates at the Opening Ceremony of the biannual meeting of the “family of nations”, whose 56 members are largely nations of the former British Empire.

The King will add that “all nations are equal in this unique and voluntary association” that “is committed to developing free and democratic societies”.

He will also say that thanks to its scale and diversity, representing a third of the world’s humanity, the Commonwealth can “discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect”, and this is “never more important than in times of tension and conflict”. . all over the world’.

‘Together we are wiser, stronger and more capable of responding to the demands of our time’, the King will say.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who also flew to Samoa to attend the meeting, said this week he wants to discuss current challenges with Commonwealth leaders, particularly climate change, not the past.

The King will add that “all nations are equal in this unique and voluntary association” that “is committed to the development of free and democratic societies”.

King Charles III meets with the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, at his official residence in Mulinuu

Community members look on during an official Royal ‘Ava ceremonial’ reception at the National University of Samoa

Heads of government have already made clear they are preparing to challenge the UK and agree plans to examine reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, which could leave the UK owing billions of pounds

Heads of government have already made clear they are preparing to challenge the UK and agree plans to examine reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, which could leave the UK owing billions of pounds.

However, Downing Street continues to insist that the issue is not on the agenda as far as Britain is concerned.

In his speech, the king will also pay tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and the role the Commonwealth played in her life.

And he will return to an issue close to his heart after a lifetime of campaigning, speaking of the “existential threat” of climate change and its impact on many Commonwealth nations.

As Prince of Wales, he created the Sustainable Markets Initiative to promote how public-private partnerships can help address current impacts.

The King will conclude: ‘Let’s build a future in harmony with Nature and among ourselves.’