King Charles begins Caribbean tour, acknowledges 'suffering of the past'

King Charles III has commenced a nine-day Caribbean tour, which began on October 27, 2026, marking his first visit to the region as monarch. The tour includes stops in the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda, where he is expected to engage with local communities and leaders. A central theme of the visit is the King's acknowledgment of the historical "suffering of the past" and the "darkest days" of colonial rule and slavery in these former territories.

During his initial engagements in the Bahamas, King Charles explicitly recognized the "great suffering and injustices of the past". While Buckingham Palace indicated that the King would not shy away from discussing the impact of the slave trade, it also clarified that he would not issue a formal apology or offer reparations, consistent with the UK government's long-standing position.

The tour will also see King Charles attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1-4, where the legacy of slavery is anticipated to be a significant topic of discussion among leaders. Beyond historical reflection, the visit aims to highlight modern partnerships, environmental initiatives, and the future aspirations of the Commonwealth nations.