King Charles has acknowledged the “great suffering and injustices of the past” as he began his first Caribbean tour as monarch, but Buckingham Palace has said he will neither apologise for Britain’s role in the slave trade nor offer reparations.

The nine-day visit brings the colonial legacy into a programme also focused on climate change, modern partnerships and opportunities for younger generations.
The palace’s position on an apology and reparations is in line with that of the UK government.

Speaking at a youth rally at Clifford Park in the Bahamas, the King said it was “only right” to acknowledge past suffering.
The setting carried personal significance: he attended the island’s independence celebrations there as Prince of Wales in 1973.
He was greeted with cheers on his return.

Earlier, wearing sunglasses and a grey suit, he received a ceremonial airport welcome, meeting Governor General Dame Cynthia A. Pratt and Prime Minister Philip Edward.
He also spoke to members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force while inspecting a guard of honour on the runway.

At the rally, Charles highlighted the particular challenges facing low-lying Caribbean islands and his own 50-year commitment to tackling climate change.
Saying that “our world cries out for healing”, he urged young people to help care for the planet, presenting environmental protection as a responsibility by which future generations would judge them.

The palace said opportunities to reflect on the slave trade would feature in all three countries on the itinerary, including visits to memorials and other places of remembrance.
A spokesperson told the BBC that the programme would primarily highlight modern partnerships and opportunities “having a transformative effect on the region”.

That emphasis defines the visit’s approach: recognition of historical injustice, without the apology or financial redress the palace has ruled out, alongside practical cooperation for the future.
The programme was planned with the governments of the Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.

The King travels to Guyana later this week for engagements centred on the environment and biodiversity.
He will then join Queen Camilla in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where he will deliver a keynote speech as Commonwealth leader.
The biennial summit brings together leaders of 56 countries to address shared challenges and advance cooperation.