King Charles has delivered another firm message about the legacy of slavery, with sources suggesting he is increasingly prepared to address difficult subjects despite the sensitivities surrounding his constitutional role.
According to RadarOnline.com, the 77-year-old monarch appears more determined than ever to make his views known, even when they may leave politicians uncomfortable.
Charles spoke at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, one day before his Caribbean tour came to an end. The visit was accompanied by repeated demands for an apology for slavery and the payment of reparations.
During his address, he described the transatlantic slave trade as “a shameful chapter in history.”
“As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow,” he said.
The King went on to discuss the fight to end the trade, drawing attention to the Royal Navy’s role.
“Yet history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word: that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role,” he continued.
Charles also acknowledged its enduring impact on the Caribbean and the wider Commonwealth.
“The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth,” he added.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the speech. Burnham has said he plans to offer $50 million for Caribbean green energy projects, alongside a proposal to help poorer Commonwealth countries cope with the high cost of debt.
A source close to the royal family suggested that Charles’s changing attitude stems partly from a growing awareness of his age and the time available to express his convictions.
“Charles is getting older and has become increasingly conscious that there is only so much time to make his position clear. He is less concerned about whether difficult conversations make politicians uncomfortable.”
A tipster added that the monarch wants to speak for himself on matters he considers important, while remaining aware of the boundaries of his position.
“He essentially no longer cares about stepping on politicians' toes. There is a growing sense that he does not want tradition to prevent him from speaking about issues he believes matter. He understands the constitutional boundaries, but he also wants his own voice to be heard on issues close to his heart,” the tipster said.
