As calls for an apology intensify, King Charles began his Caribbean tour with a speech on past suffering. This piece of news arrives as the monarch begins his nine-day Caribbean visit, drawing attention from the very first day. For the last stretch of his visit to Antigua and Barbuda, King Charles will be accompanied by Queen Camilla.
King Charles begins Caribbean tour amid apology demands
Marking the start of a nine-day Caribbean trip, King Charles arrived in the Bahamas on Tuesday, October 27. There, he reflected on Britain’s past involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and “the great suffering” that resulted from it.
On Tuesday evening, while addressing a gathering held to honor young people from the region, the King reflected on the legacy of colonialism. He acknowledged, “Some of what is best in Bohemian culture today, the most joyful, the most hopeful, the brightest – was born out of darkness.” His Majesty went on to say, “It is only right that we should acknowledge the great suffering of the past, in these islands and beyond, even as we rejoice in the successes of the present and build new opportunities for the future.”
Per the Daily Express, Charles landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport just after 4 pm local time. Officials staged a grand ceremonial reception to mark the beginning of his royal visit.
On arrival, around six officials, including Prime Minister Philip Davis, greeted him on the tarmac. They were accompanied by a striking Guard of Honor. It comprised 96 personnel from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
The 77-year-old monarch stepped onto the dais to accept the Royal Salute while both regiments performed the Bahamian national anthem together. Once the anthem concluded, he stepped forward to inspect the Guard of Honor.
After completing the airport ceremony and inspection, King Charles headed to Clifford Park for his opening engagement. As reported by the BBC, an enthusiastic crowd welcomed him, with young attendees granted a special day off school to be part of the celebration.
