‘It wouldn’t hurt’: Commonwealth chief weighs in on calls for King Charles to apologise for slavery

The Commonwealth’s secretary-general has said an apology from the King for slavery “wouldn’t hurt”, as calls for discussions about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade continue.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey made the comments in an interview with Sky News, saying that numerous Commonwealth countries had called for an apology and that the time had come for meaningful discussions about reparations.

Asked whether the King should apologise for the Crown’s historical involvement in the slave trade, Ms Botchwey replied: “That’s what the countries have asked for.”

Pressed on whether she personally wanted to see such an apology, she added: “It wouldn’t hurt to have that. Not at all.”

The comments come amid continued debate over how the legacy of slavery should be addressed, including whether reparations should be financial or take other forms.

Ms Botchwey said she believed the issue could not be avoided indefinitely, although she stressed that Commonwealth member states would ultimately need to determine what reparations might involve.

“I don’t believe we can run away from it. But it is important to determine the form that reparations should take, and that is something that will emerge eventually,” she told Sky News.

She suggested that reparations need not necessarily involve direct financial payments, pointing instead to possibilities including concessional financing, the treatment of debt, climate-related support and the return of cultural artefacts.

She said discussions between countries would be necessary to determine what form any measures should take.

Buckingham Palace has previously made clear that the King will not be offering an apology for the Crown’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade.

However, the Palace has stressed that the Royal Family would “not shy away from the darkest days of our past”.

The King has previously acknowledged the devastating history of slavery. In 2018, while Prince of Wales, he described Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade as an “appalling atrocity” that had left an “indelible stain” on the world.

The latest comments from the Commonwealth secretary-general place renewed attention on the question of how the historical legacy of slavery should be addressed by Britain and other nations.

The King has not announced any change to his previously reported position on an apology.

The UK Government has also reiterated its opposition to paying financial reparations for slavery.

A Government spokesperson described the transatlantic slave trade as “abhorrent”, acknowledging its devastating consequences and the strength of feeling the issue continues to provoke.

“The UK’s position is clear: we do not and will not pay reparations,” the spokesperson said.

However, the Government also stressed its willingness to continue discussions with international partners about historical legacies.

“The UK is committed to continued dialogue with all our partners on legacies of the past. We will continue to work together to build partnerships for the future,” the spokesperson added.

Ms Botchwey’s remarks highlight the continuing differences in approach between Commonwealth nations over how the consequences of slavery should be addressed.

While some countries have called for an apology and reparations, the UK Government has maintained that it will not make financial payments.

The Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting will take place from 1 – 4 November 2026 in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.