King Charles arrives in Antigua and Barbuda as UK debates slavery apology

The monarch’s arrival coincides with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s invitation to discuss a formal UK apology for the trans‑Atlantic slave trade.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 31 Oct 2026 19:50:18 GMT

King Charles III touched down in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, 31 October 2026, to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and to address leaders from the 56‑member family of nations.

What happened

The king arrived after a state visit to Guyana and will deliver the opening address to presidents, prime ministers and other representatives on Tuesday. The visit follows a nine‑day Caribbean tour that began in the Bahamas on 27 October, with a stop in Guyana on 30 October where the king visited the Independence Park site of the 1823 Demerara Rebellion executions.

What the reports add

Both Standard articles note that the king’s speech is expected to reflect the UK government’s evolving stance on the legacy of slavery. The first article adds that ministers had not advised the king to offer an apology or reparations before the trip, in line with established policy. The second article emphasizes that the prospect of a formal expression of regret is now “closer” after Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s comments in The Guardian on Friday.

What was said

Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote in The Guardian that he is “open” to calls for a formal British apology for the slave trade, describing a “structured dialogue with those affected by the transatlantic slave trade.” He added that he feels “sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions.” Burnham also ruled out financial reparations, stating, “Some have called for financial reparations for the slave trade. I do not believe that is the right answer. I do not think that British people today can be held liable for historical wrongs, however heinous, that happened in a different age under different law.”

How it came about

The Caribbean tour was announced in late October as the monarch’s first official visit to the region. Felo News previously covered the start of the tour in the Bahamas on 27 October (King Charles III begins nine‑day Caribbean tour amid slavery reparations calls) and the Guyana stop on 30 October (King Charles visits Guyana site of 1823 Demerara Rebellion executions). Those visits highlighted growing calls from Caribbean nations for a UK apology and reparations, setting the context for Burnham’s invitation to dialogue ahead of CHOGM.

Key facts

King Charles III arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 31 October 2026 to open CHOGM. (standard.co.uk)
Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote he is open to a formal UK apology for the slave trade but rejects financial reparations. (standard.co.uk)
The king’s Caribbean tour began in the Bahamas on 27 October and included a stop in Guyana on 30 October. (standard.co.uk)