UK King Charles Calls for Unity, Acknowledges “Painful Past” at Commonwealth Summit Amid Reparations Debate

UK King Charles III, in his first address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) since becoming head of the organization, called for unity and understanding while acknowledging the “painful aspects of our past” that continue to resonate in the modern world, CNN reports.

Speaking to leaders and dignitaries from the 56 Commonwealth nations gathered in Samoa, the King emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs, stating, “It is vital therefore that we understand our history, to guide us to make the right choices in the future.”

The King’s remarks come amid growing calls for reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade. While not directly mentioning slavery, his speech seemed to acknowledge the issue, saying, “I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”

He urged leaders to “find the right ways, and the right language” to address contemporary problems rooted in the past, emphasizing that “none of us can change the past” but that nations can “commit to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”

The debate over reparations has gained momentum in recent days, with some Commonwealth members calling for Britain to pay compensation for its historical role in slavery. While Downing Street has insisted that the topic is not on the agenda of the CHOGM, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted the slave trade was “abhorrent” but stressed the need to focus on “today’s challenges,” such as climate change and economic growth.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, however, ruled out any future payments for reparations, stating that “we’re not going to be paying out the reparations that some countries are speaking about.”

Despite the contentious issue of reparations, the King stressed the importance of the Commonwealth as a unifying force representing “a third of humanity.” He encouraged leaders to engage in “open and respectful” discussions on challenging issues.

The King’s speech, while falling short of a formal apology for Britain’s colonial past, reflects a shift towards a more conciliatory tone when addressing historical wrongs. His previous statements in Kenya and Rwanda have acknowledged the need to confront and address the legacy of slavery.

The theme of this year’s CHOGM in Samoa is “One Resilient Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth.” In his address, the King also spoke about the pressing issue of climate change, highlighting the deep global inequality exposed by the crisis. Many island nations in the Commonwealth face existential threats from rising sea levels.

The CHOGM, held every two years, brings together leaders from across the globe to address pressing global challenges. The King’s call for unity and understanding, while acknowledging the need to address the past, sets the stage for a complex and potentially transformative summit.