King Charles to Address Britain’s Slave Trade Past on Caribbean Tour, Without Apology

King Charles will address Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade during his Caribbean tour later this month, but will not offer a formal apology, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

The palace said the king would not avoid the subject, describing the period as among “the darkest days of our past.”

The announcement draws a distinction between acknowledging Britain’s involvement in the slave trade and issuing an official apology for it.

Britain’s historical role will therefore form part of the backdrop to the Caribbean visit, with the palace setting expectations in advance for how Charles will approach the subject.