Shortly before the coronation of Charles III. Indigenous people demand an apology for “centuries of racism”. The ex-colonies’ view of the crown is becoming more critical. Is the new king ready for such an official gesture? By C. Prossl.
On November 30, 2021, an era ended for the island state of Barbados. The Royal Standard, the flag of the British monarch, was lowered in a ceremony. From that day on, the Queen was no longer the head of state. Barbados is now a republic.
It was a remarkable move for an island called Little England because here cars drive on the left side of the road, where cricket is played and a seaside resort is called Brighton, as is the seaside destination south of London.
memory of the dark past
But for the people of Barbados, the fact that the British monarch was the head of state was also a reminder of a dark past.
In the 17th century, the British settled numerous slaves from Africa who had to work in the sugar cane plantations. England became a colonial power, merchants made a huge deal, and the royal family made a profit.
A total of 12 British monarchs were involved in financing slavery, supported it or otherwise benefited from it, says Corinne Fowler, professor of colonial history at the University of Leicester.
First gold, later slaves
In the 17th century, the Royal African Company was founded, in which traders were organized, first to import gold from Africa, and later slaves.
The then King Charles II invested and his brother managed the company. As James II, he then ascended the throne in 1685. “James II was the largest shareholder in the Royal African Company and made a lot of money from the slave trade,” says Corinne Fowler.
Charles has already responded to allegations
Charles III knows the history of the slave trade, he knows the reproaches leveled against the monarchs. And he has already addressed these allegations, for example in March 2022 at the Commonwealth meeting in Rwanda:
I cannot describe the sadness I feel at the suffering of so many. I want to better understand the impact of slavery.
That wasn’t an excuse, because that would make it easier to claim reparations, and the royal family hasn’t gotten that far yet. But it was an expression of deep sadness.
Indigenous people demand an apology
In a letter, the representatives of twelve Commonwealth states have asked the monarch to do just that. It says to apologize for the “centuries of racism” and the “legacy of genocide”.
The letter was signed by groups from Australia, several Caribbean countries and representatives from Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
responsibility can no longer be denied.
King Charles III made clear his support for coming to terms with the colonial past, says historian Fowler. She even assumes that he could offer an apology.
The responsibility can no longer be denied, the involvement of the monarchs has actually been well worked out, says Fowler. Nevertheless, Charles III. consented to further investigation.
The monarchy is “tainted”
For example, Buckingham Palace grants the historian Camilla de Koning unrestricted access to the Royal Archives and the Royal Collection for a doctoral project. Prince William also described slavery as “disgusting” during a visit to Jamaica.
The issue will forever stain the history of Britain and the monarchy.