King Charles is to attend Antigua's independence parade and meet cricket legends ahead of his slavery speech to Commonwealth leaders
Andy Burnham proposed a "structured dialogue" with affected countries on any formal apology, while firmly ruling out financial reparations ahead of the Commonwealth summit.King Charles III and Queen Camilla, whose constitutional role bars the King from referencing Andy Burnham's policy shift on a formal apology in his CHOGM address.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged "structured dialogue" on a formal British state apology for the transatlantic slave trade — going further than any predecessor — but has ruled out financial reparations, arguing that people alive today bear no responsibility for wrongs committed in the past. Charles will deliver his CHOGM opening address on Tuesday, with Buckingham Palace confirming his speech has not been altered in response to Burnham's shift in policy.
The Palace says Charles will address slavery's "most shameful aspects" with 'unflinching honesty' and 'sincere sorrow' — but will not offer a formal apology.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch rejected Burnham's apology overture, insisting taxpayers should not be held responsible for wrongs committed generations ago.
Before Sunday's parade, Charles will meet West Indies cricket knights Sir Viv Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
