King to say it is important to ‘recognise the path of history’ amid reparations row
The King is to use his first speech as the Head of the Commonwealth to say it is important to recognise the “path of history”, amid growing pressure for Britain to pay reparations for the slave trade.
The King, who is in Samoa for the Commonwealth heads of government meeting, will emphasise the ability of the organisation to “discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect”.
In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony on Friday, he will remind members that “all nations are equal in this unique and voluntary association” as the biannual discussions begin.
It is the King’s first time at the meeting as the Head of the Commonwealth, although he has previously deputised for his late mother, Elizabeth II.
His opening speech is intended to set the tone for negotiations within the “family of nations”, at which issues of climate change, global security and reparations for the slave trade are expected to be discussed.
Campaigners hope to push the UK to agree to plans to consider reparations for slavery. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has said the issue should not be on the agenda.
Caribbean nations are seeking to include the proposal on the official communique from the summit, with a commitment to a full apology that could open the UK up to owing billions of pounds in reparations.
Other countries at the summit, including the South Pacific hosts which are at the front line of the effects of climate change, are hoping for further commitments on the environment.
The King’s speech is intended to encourage member nations to work together, outlining his vision of why the Commonwealth is more important than ever.
He is not expected to make any major statements, including on the issue of the historic slave trade. He has previously expressed regret over the “appalling atrocity” that has left an “indelible stain” on the world.
The monarch is expected to say that the scale and diversity of the Commonwealth means it can “discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect”, which he believes is never more important than at times of tension and conflict.
“Together we are wiser, stronger and more able to respond to the demands of our time,” he will say. It is understood that he will refer to the “importance of recognising and understanding the path of history”, and how it impacts on problems today.
In words likely to be be warmly welcomed at the summit, which was led by Queen Elizabeth II for decades, the King will pay tribute to his late mother and the role the Commonwealth played in her life.
He will also speak of the necessity of finding opportunities for young people, the “existential threat” of climate change, and how the private sector can help address its effects. He will end by saying: “Let us forge a future of harmony with nature and between ourselves.”
Speaking at the conference in 2022, where the then Prince of Wales represented Elizabeth II in Rwanda, he acknowledged the issue of the slave trade and said: “I want to acknowledge that the roots of our contemporary association run deep into the most painful period of our history.”
“I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact. If we are to forge a common future that benefits all our citizens, we too must find new ways to acknowledge our past. Quite simply, this is a conversation whose time has come.”
