Brief
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend Sunday service as Commonwealth leaders discuss slavery apology
The royal couple joined Caribbean leaders at a church service where discussions of a UK slavery apology dominated the Commonwealth summit.
By Felo News Desk · Published
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a special Sunday service at St John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration in Antigua on 1 November 2026, the first official engagement of their Caribbean visit, according to Standard.co.uk.
What happened
The service marked the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) with the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”. Anglican Bishop Ernest Flemming led the worship, and a procession of flags from the 56 Commonwealth members passed the royal couple. Performers included soprano Desrie Markham and UK pianist Isata Kanneh‑Mason. Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered a bible reading and expressed “my sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions”, while explicitly rejecting any financial reparations.
What the reports add
Standard.co.uk noted that Burnham’s offer to discuss a formal UK apology for the trans‑Atlantic slave trade was a central topic of the summit, and that Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed the dialogue, planning to join Caricom‑led discussions. The article also highlighted Bishop Flemming’s comment that true partnership must go beyond “signing agreements or exchanging promises”.
What was said
Burnham told the congregation, “my sorrow and regret for the pain and suffering of so many millions”, and added that the UK would not consider financial reparations. Bishop Ernest Flemming said, “True partnership requires mutual respect, listening, fairness and inclusion of small states, young people, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities and those living at the margins.”
How it came about
The service formed part of the opening of CHOGM, which King Charles arrived to open on 31 October 2026, as reported in Felo’s earlier article King Charles arrives in Antigua and Barbuda as UK debates slavery apology. The summit follows Burnham’s invitation to discuss a formal apology, a move that has drawn renewed calls from Caribbean leaders for acknowledgment of the slave‑trade legacy.
Key facts
- King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a Sunday service in St John’s, Antigua on 1 Nov 2026. (standard.co.uk)
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed sorrow for slavery but ruled out financial reparations. (standard.co.uk)
- The service opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting themed ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “King and Queen attend Sunday service in Antigua”
