King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to face protests during their upcoming visit to the Caribbean, where activists will demand an official apology and reparations from Britain for its historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The royal visit, scheduled for later this week, will include stops in Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Guyana.
In Antigua, demonstrators plan to hold protests on the streets coinciding with the monarchs’ arrival as part of an ongoing campaign to secure compensation from former European colonial powers. Caribbean leaders are also set to raise the issue of reparations at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which will take place in the region. Alongside public protests, activists intend to use electronic billboards to amplify their calls for reparatory justice and educate the public on the monarchy’s connection to the legacy of slavery.
Dorbene O’Marde, head of the National Commission for Reparations in Antigua, acknowledged that while security measures around the King will likely prevent protesters from approaching him directly, demonstrations will still proceed. O’Marde emphasized that frustration remains high over the British government’s refusal to issue a formal apology, describing the official stance of “no apologies” from both the government and the Royal Household as deeply inflammatory. He indicated that some form of physical demonstrations would take place despite security constraints.
The issue of reparations has garnered attention within the Commonwealth’s leadership as well. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, secretary-general of the Commonwealth, suggested that an apology "wouldn’t hurt" and that it is time for serious dialogue on the matter, highlighting a growing willingness among some leaders to revisit the colonial legacy.
Ahead of the tour, it was reported that while King Charles intends to acknowledge the historical significance of the slave trade, he will refrain from issuing an official apology for Britain’s role, adhering to government guidance. Campaigners argue that the British monarchy has benefited financially from enterprises such as the Royal African Company, a 17th-century trading company with direct royal patronage involved in the slave trade. They have called for transparency regarding these historical financial links, which have been the subject of academic research sanctioned by the King.
Caribbean states continue to press for formal reparations and an official apology, though their approach remains respectful of the monarch. Some have signaled plans to pursue legal action, with a coalition of Caribbean nations preparing to bring claims against Britain under international racial discrimination laws at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This strategy seeks to argue that Britain is in breach of United Nations treaty obligations by failing to provide compensation.
Parallel efforts are underway by the African Union, which aims to secure a judicial ruling on reparations through the ICJ. Advocates hope to replicate a recent legal success where the court issued an advisory opinion affirming Britain’s obligation to end its control over the Chagos Islands, leading to a £30 billion transfer of the territory to Mauritius.
Advisers working with the African Union believe that obtaining an ICJ ruling affirming Britain’s responsibility to pay reparations could increase international pressure on the UK government to act. Meanwhile, the royal visit proceeds amid this complex backdrop of historical grievances, legal challenges, and diplomatic negotiations surrounding the legacy of slavery.