At the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa, King Charles III made a poignant address urging world leaders to address enduring inequalities stemming from the transatlantic slave trade. His comments come amid rising calls for reparatory justice, reflecting an ongoing discourse about Britain’s historical role in slavery and its implications for contemporary society.
In his address, the 75-year-old monarch emphasized that while “none of us can change past,” nations must seek “creative ways to right inequalities that endure.” He acknowledged painful aspects of history that continue to resonate within the Commonwealth, which encompasses 56 member nations representing a significant portion of the global population. “Our cohesion requires that we acknowledge where we have come from,” he stated, stressing the importance of understanding history as a guide for future choices.
Growing Calls for Reparations
issue of reparations has gained momentum leading up to this year’s summit, with renewed demands from certain Commonwealth countries for Britain to provide compensation for its historical injustices. According to reports from BBC, diplomats had been preparing a text for the summit’s official communique that would commit to “meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversation” regarding reparations. However, the UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has insisted that the topic is not on the official agenda, with Starmer emphasizing the need to focus on current challenges like climate resilience and enhanced trade between Commonwealth nations.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also ruled out any potential reparations, stating, “We’re not going to be paying out reparations that some countries are speaking about.” She acknowledged the reasons behind the demands but clarified that such payments were not in the government’s plans.
A Call for Unity and Openness
During his speech, King Charles refrained from directly mentioning slavery yet highlighted the importance of unity among Commonwealth nations. He urged leaders to approach discussions of contemporary issues with openness and respect, promoting a language of community over division. “As we look around the world and consider its many deeply concerning challenges, let us choose within our Commonwealth family language of community and respect,” he said.
Historical Context and Expectations
Some had anticipated that King Charles would take the opportunity to issue a formal apology for Britain’s colonial past. However, as head of state, he operates within parameters set by his government and can only act on ministerial advice. Nonetheless, his speech indicated an awareness of concerns raised by leaders regarding historical grievances.
In previous engagements, the British monarchy has adopted a more conciliatory tone. In November, during a visit to Kenya, King Charles expressed that “wrongdoings of past are a cause of greatest sorrow and deepest regret.” At the last Commonwealth summit in Rwanda, he reiterated the necessity of addressing historical injustices, stating that “this is a conversation whose time has come.”
Climate Change and Global Inequality
me of this year’s CHOGM in Samoa, “One Resilient Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth,” reflects pressing issues that the Commonwealth faces, particularly climate change. King Charles underscored the urgency of this crisis, which he noted has already begun to undermine developmental gains achieved by many member states. He cited “terrifying storms in the Caribbean, devastating flooding in East Africa, and catastrophic wildfires in Canada” as examples of immediate threats that jeopardize lives, livelihoods, and human rights across the Commonwealth.
As the summit continues, discussions surrounding historical injustices, reparatory justice, and the urgent need for collective action against climate change remain central to the agenda, showing the complexities of navigating the past while striving for a more equitable future.
