My slavery sorrow
Charles nod to ‘painful’ Commonwealth roots
PRINCE Charles has expressed his deep sorrow over slavery and said he is still learning the horrors of Britain’s shameful past.
On the last day of his visit to Rwanda, the 73-year-old told how lessons must be learned for the Commonwealth to move forward.
Addressing the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the capital Kigali, Charles said the realms that no longer want to keep the Queen as head of state should be in charge of their own futures.
He told the delegation, which included PM Boris Johnson: “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.
“While we strive together for peace, prosperity and democracy, I want to acknowledge the roots of our contemporary association run deep into the most painful period of our history.
“If we are to forge a common future that benefits all our citizens, we must find ways to acknowledge our past.
“Many of those wrongs belong to an earlier age with different and, in some ways, lesser values. By working together, we build a new, enduring friendship.”
He told the 14 Commonwealth realms that it was “a matter for each member country to decide” if they want to become republics.
It follows growing anti-monarchy sentiment in countries such as Jamaica and Australia following Barbados becoming a republic last year.
Charles said the Commonwealth was “uniquely positioned” to achieve positive change in the world, particularly on climate change and opportunities for young people. An aide said he considers its power to be in its diversity and has been thinking deeply about what its priorities should be. As 60% of the Commonwealth’s 2.6 billion population is under 30, Charles believes it “critical” to ensure young people have access to the opportunities and training they need. Both he and the Queen believe the Commonwealth can be a “force for good” if all nations work together. The prince also told how on a recent royal tour to Canada, he and wife Camilla were “deeply touched” to meet those engaged in an ongoing process of reconciliation.
A source said his speech was “recognition that he is listening and learning in order to determine future action”. russell.myers@mirror.co.uk @rjmyers
To forge a common future, we must admit the past PRINCE CHARLES IN SPEECH TO LEADERS