A royal commentator believes that Andy Burnham created difficulties for King Charles‘ Caribbean tour. This comes shortly after the monarch wrapped up his nine-day autumn trip from October 27 to November 4, 2026. The UK Prime Minister and Queen Camilla joined the King for the final leg of the visit, which included around 40 official engagements.
Expert suggests Andy Burnham added a ‘political edge’ to King Charles’ Caribbean tour
Royal expert Carole Malone is of the opinion that Andy Burnham brought politics into King Charles‘ recent Caribbean tour. Even though there were strong demands for a formal apology and slavery reparations, the King travelled under strict instructions not to apologise for the slave trade. Yet the Government seemed to soften its own position mid-tour.
The shift came after Andy Burnham signalled that the UK could issue a formal apology for its role in the slave trade. Talks are now under way with Commonwealth nations over an official apology from the state.
The Prime Minister has committed a further £40 million in fresh aid to the Caribbean. However, he has ruled out direct compensation for Britain’s past role in slavery. By allegedly politicising the visit at such a sensitive moment, Burnham’s sudden shift reportedly could have put the tour at risk and undone the goodwill it had generated.
Weighing in, Malone suggested that the 56-year-old’s payouts to Caribbean countries risked creating a sense of entitlement among other nations expecting money from Britain. She warned that with limited resources to give, this could lead to major issues.
On The Daily Express royal podcast Royals Unscripted, the commentator shared her take on the visit. The analyst said, “I think it’s (the tour) gone better than we could have expected. But I expect no less from the King. He is good at this.”
She continued, “He really cares. He can do what politicians can’t. He can soothe anxieties; he can soothe nerves. I think he had done that incredibly well.” Malone closed with a final note of concern, adding, “But when Burnham went there, a political edge was introduced into it. All of those countries are going to think now they are legally entitled.”
