King Charles and Queen Camilla Come Face to Face With Britain’s Slavery Past in Antigua

The King is set to address the lingering impact of the slave trade with 'unflinching honesty' and 'sincere sorrow' at CHOGM tomorrow.

King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Government House Museum in Antigua and Barbuda, which holds artifacts from the colonial-era slave trade. Exhibits included slave shackles and displays on the sugar industry, slavery and emancipation. The visit took place as calls for reparations for slavery continue in the Caribbean and across Commonwealth countries, and as the King’s tour has drawn attention to the issue.

During their visit to the site, which is also known as the ultimate 'symbol of British colonial oppression,' the King and Queen also viewed former slave quarters, restored to highlight the horrors of Britain's transatlantic slave trade. The King is in Antigua for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), where he will address the lingering impact of the slave trade with 'unflinching honesty' and 'sincere sorrow.'

As he approached the display, the King pointed to an item and asked, “Is that an umbrella?” The same case held shackles and a conch shell, which the museum says was used to summon enslaved people to meetings and to work.

The King and Queen were shown exhibits on the history of slavery in Antigua and Barbuda, including the Declaration of Emancipation. Wall displays at the Government House Museum covered themes including “Sugar and Slavery,” “Emancipation,” and “March Towards Freedom,” along with accounts of enslaved people on sugar plantations.

Charles also stood beside a display showing a cross-section of a slave ship used to carry enslaved Africans to the Caribbean. He was also shown a Warri board, a game brought from Africa by enslaved people and often described as the world’s oldest board game. “At least it keeps going,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has made his views clear on acknowledging the power of the monarchy. In an unflinching opinion, Browne said he has great respect for the British Monarch, but repeated his view that Antigua should replace him as head of state. "I can say to you, I am a Republican. So if you asked me about my personal view, I would like to see Antigua and Barbuda become a republic… but I have to recognize and accept the fact that there are certain constitutional provisions to become a republic, and that, ultimately, it is the decision of the people to determine whether or not we become a republic," he told ITV right after attending Sunday service with Their Majesties at St John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration.

The constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote from Antiguans to replace the British Monarch and amend the constitution. Until such a vote occurs, Browne acknowledged Charles's continued reign, affirming their service and respect for him while suggesting the issue remain under consideration.