King Charles speaks of “painful aspects” of Britain’s past

King Charles III has acknowledged the “painful aspects” of his country’s past as he spoke during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Samoa.

He also addressed the climate crisis and paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

There had been hope that King Charles would issue an apology for Britain’s colonial past and that he would commit to discussing reparatory justice.

“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate. It is vital therefore, that we understand our history to guide us to make the right choices in the future,” King Charles said.

“Where inequalities exist … we must find the right ways and the right language to address them. As we look around the world and consider its many deeply concerning challenges, let us choose within our Commonwealth family, the language of community and respect and reject the language of division.”