King Charles has just completed his nine-day tour of the Caribbean, and it seemed to be a great success. However, while the monarch went with the instruction not to apologise on the tour for the slave trade, it seems that the Government made some form of U-turn of its own.
This is because Andy Burnham opened the door to a formal apology by the UK for its role in the slave trade. The Prime Minister is holding talks with Commonwealth nations on an official apology on behalf of the state.
The UK Prime Minister has also already agreed to hand over £40million in new aid funding to Caribbean countries, but has insisted he won’t pay direct compensation for Britain’s historic role in the slave trade. While the King may not have a problem with this, it is believed the monarch was left frustrated for one reason.
This is because he was told not to apologise for the slave trade on his autumn tour, and that the tour was going well. However, Burnham’s apparent U-turn – and the timing of it – could have put that at risk by bringing a “political edge” to the situation.
Commentator Carole Malone said that Burnham giving money to Caribbean countries could lead other countries to feel “entitled” to money from Britain, when we have limited funds to give.
Speaking on The Daily Express royal podcast Royals Unscripted, commentator Carole Malone 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. 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.
“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.”
After leaving the Caribbean on Wednesday, King Charles issued a heartfelt message for the “warmth” he has been shown. He wrote: “As my wife and I depart the Caribbean, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the people of The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda for the warmth of their welcome and the many kindnesses they have shown us throughout this tour.
“After three nations, four speeches, nine days, over 40 different engagements and countless hands shaken in firm friendship, I return home with so many treasured memories…and one slightly damp suit! Charles R.”
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