Buckingham Palace Distances King From Slavery Apology Debate as 56-Nation Commonwealth Summit Opens
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Nov 2
Buckingham Palace Distances King From Slavery Apology Debate as 56-Nation Commonwealth Summit Opens
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Nov 2
Summary
Buckingham Palace said King Charles's Commonwealth role is to "inspire and convene, rather than policy make," seeking to curb expectations he could intervene on a UK slavery apology or reparations.
Tuesday's speech in Antigua and Barbuda is expected to acknowledge slavery's painful legacy, but the Palace said it will reflect the UK government's position rather than set policy.
Andy Burnham shifted the immediate political line after saying Britain must face its past and was open to a formal apology; his spokesperson later said sorrow and regret were distinct from an apology, while ruling out financial reparations.
The issue is set to surface at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where Antigua and Barbuda's Gaston Brown wants reparations discussed and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said Britain was ready to consider whether a formal apology could aid healing.