SAMOA, CARIBBEAN – King Charles has expressed his support for UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to reject calls for financial reparations for slavery, despite demands from some Commonwealth leaders, especially from the Caribbean.
In a statement that has drawn international attention, King Charles emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices by focusing on contemporary challenges rather than financial reparations that could potentially cost billions.
Speaking with leaders in Samoa, the monarch stressed the necessity of recognizing painful historical truths while investing in a shared future.
King Charles noted that while acknowledging the injustices of slavery is essential, “none of us can change the past.” Instead, he suggested focusing on finding solutions to modern issues like environmental sustainability and inequality.
King Charles appeared to support Prime Minister Starmer’s approach, which ruled out reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
He encouraged the Commonwealth to concentrate on present-day goals; particularly those that can help improve lives across the member nations, which collectively represent one-third of the world’s population.
During the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, his first as monarch following Queen Elizabeth’s passing, King Charles emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect, and a shared language that rejects division.
He acknowledged that confronting the difficult parts of history is necessary to make informed choices that address inequalities in education, skills training, employment, and health across the Commonwealth.
In his concluding remarks, King Charles stated, “While we cannot change the past, we can wholeheartedly commit to learning from it and finding creative solutions to the inequalities that persist.”
King Charles comments underscore a vision for the Commonwealth that focuses on future-oriented initiatives, emphasizing community, respect, and resilience in tackling the ongoing challenges faced by member nations.