King Charles describes transatlantic slavery as monstrous at Commonwealth summit

King Charles III has called the transatlantic slave trade monstrous during an address at the Commonwealth leaders summit in Antigua and Barbuda, according to BBC News. British national newspapers led their Wednesday coverage with the monarch's speech, noting that he stopped short of issuing an apology. [1][3]

BBC News reported that the i Paper highlighted the headline that the King says slavery was monstrous. The Daily Mail summarised the speech by stating the monarch declared Britain had a leading role in ending the trade, characterising the address as punchier than expected. The Times also reported on the King's stance that slavery was evil but Britain helped end it, noting that he praised the Royal Navy's historical role. [1][3]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, King Charles began a nine-day Caribbean tour in late October that included visits to the Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda. The monarch previously acknowledged the great suffering caused by the transatlantic slave trade and expressed sincere sorrow ahead of the summit, amid growing demands from Caribbean countries for reparations and formal apologies. [9][10]

In separate media news reported by the Daily Mail, former footballer Wayne Rooney, aged 41, has emerged as the early favourite to win the television show I'm A Celeb. Betting odds from William Hill place Rooney in the lead at 11/4, following his wife Coleen's appearance on the programme in 2024. Comedian Leigh Francis, actor Joanna Page, and social media personality Sharky are joint second in the odds. [2][4]