King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are likely to confront a substantial demand for reparations amounting to $261 billion, related to the United Kingdom’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. This claim is expected to be presented during the upcoming Commonwealth summit, where leaders from 56 nations will convene. The push for reparations has gained momentum following remarks from Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Mia Mottley has been a prominent advocate for reparations, asserting that they should be a part of a “global reset.” In her address to the United Nations, she emphasized the importance of addressing the enduring effects of slavery and colonialism on contemporary international relations. Estimates for reparations vary widely, ranging from $261 billion to a staggering $24 trillion. UN Judge Patrick Robinson has underscored the moral responsibility of governments to provide reparations for historical injustices, reinforcing the demand for financial compensation.
During a recent meeting in London, Mottley praised King Charles for his openness to discuss the issue of reparations ahead of the Commonwealth gathering. Although Buckingham Palace has not disclosed specific details from their conversation, Mottley highlighted the king’s acknowledgment of Britain’s role in the slave trade, referring to it as “a conversation whose time has come.”
King Charles has reportedly taken his family’s historical connections to slavery “profoundly seriously.” This renewed attention comes after historian Dr. Brooke Newman uncovered a ledger indicating that King William III received shares in the Royal African Company, a corporation significantly involved in the slave trade. The ledger, dated 1689, records a transfer of $1,300 in shares to William of Orange from Edward Colston, the governor of the company.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace expressed deep sorrow regarding the suffering caused by slavery. They stated, “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.” The spokesperson also mentioned that efforts to understand this legacy have intensified since the king’s accession. An independent research project, launched in October of the previous year, aims to investigate the connections between the British monarchy and the transatlantic slave trade during the late 17th and 18th centuries, with backing from the royal household.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, whose ancestry is linked to the legacy of slavery, shared his thoughts on the experiences of his ancestors. He noted how they heard “the twisted lies of imperialism” and were “stolen from their homes in shackles and turned into slaves.”
