King Charles and Queen Camilla have confronted Antigua and Barbuda’s history of slavery during a visit to a museum containing shackles, a conch shell and other artefacts from the era, as the slavery reparations row continued to overshadow the royal tour.
The King examined an exhibition at Government House Museum in St John’s, where displays charted the islands’ history from sugar plantations and enslavement to emancipation and independence.
He pointed towards a silk parasol in a cabinet containing ceramic abolitionist medallions and asked: “Is that an umbrella?” The case also held iron shackles and a conch shell used by enslaved people to summon workers and call meetings.
Charles and Camilla were shown restored former slave quarters, believed to be the oldest of their kind in the eastern Caribbean. The King also viewed paintings depicting enslaved people plotting an escape before being captured and taken before their master.
Cuthbert Forbes, who showed the couple the artwork, said the exhibition was intended to acknowledge Antigua and Barbuda’s past while reflecting on “how far we have come and battles we have fought”.
Government House, the residence of the monarch’s representative in Antigua and Barbuda, was once regarded as a symbol of British colonial rule. It is now presented as a reminder of the country’s journey from enslavement and colonialism to emancipation and independence.
The visit came after Andy Burnham opened the door to discussions about a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, while rejecting financial compensation paid by British taxpayers.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the Government was prepared to hold a structured dialogue with Caribbean and African partners, overseas territories and affected communities about the legacy of slavery, including the question of an apology.
He said: “Transatlantic slavery was a horrific chapter in our history. It was a brutal and barbaric violation of the humanity of millions, the legacy of which is still felt by so many today. We can’t change the past, but we can face it with honesty.”
Mr Miliband added that the Government did not believe financial reparations were “the right or feasible answer” and instead wanted to focus on education, cultural exchange, climate resilience, development and economic opportunity.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has rejected calls for reparations, insisting Britain has “had enough of apologising” for its past.
Mr Burnham met the King at a Commonwealth Business Forum in Antigua, their first encounter since the row over Britain’s role in the slave trade. Asked whether he had made things more difficult for Charles, he said: “No. We are reaching out and listening.”
The King is expected to address the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting with what has been described as “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow” about the lasting pain caused by the slave trade.
King Charles visits historic Government House
Charles and Camilla also unveiled a plaque marking the completion of a nine-year restoration of Government House. The work began in 2017 and finished this year, returning the building to use as the Governor-General’s official residence.
At a community reception, the royal couple met charitable organisations, uniformed youth groups and education initiatives, while watching a demonstration of the traditional Antiguan dish fungee and pepperpot.
The King later visited Nelson’s Dockyard, where he encountered actor and King’s Trust goodwill ambassador Sir Idris Elba. After Charles had placed an engraved stone into a wall, the actor greeted him and said: “Sorry about the rain.”
The exchange followed a sudden downpour the previous day, when the King had been caught without an umbrella at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. He later joked: “I’ve started growing watercress on my trousers.”
Queen Camilla appeared better prepared for the Caribbean weather, arriving at Government House with a white lace parasol. She also planted seeds with children from the Little Seeds Club during a visit to Agave Gardens, where the couple learned about heritage seeds, food security and climate resilience.
The Queen used her address to a Commonwealth women’s forum to urge activists tackling violence against women and girls to “just keep going”. She said: “Together, we have confidence that we can – and we will – see the end of violence against women and girls, forever.”
The King’s visit to Antigua forms part of a nine-day Caribbean tour and his attendance at the biennial Commonwealth meeting, where the future direction of the 56-nation organisation is also being discussed.
