Slavery apology is on the agenda as King flits from one controversy to the next

“You are not our king. “You are not sovereign,” she shouted before being led away by security. “You have committed genocide against our people. Give us back our country.”

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However, Pacific leaders have not joined the slavery debate and observers in Apia said calls for reparations may not make progress as climate change would be a priority at this year’s CHOGM.

Australian National University honorary professor Matthew Neuhaus, a former diplomat who is in Apia for civil society forums, said: “The Caribbean states could go after the British and it could be bigger at the next CHOGM in Antigua in 2026, but “That’s it.” It doesn’t resonate in the Pacific.”

Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa has identified climate change as a central theme of the meeting and is supported by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who is stepping down at the end of the summit.

King Charles used his speech in Canberra on Monday to signal his support for stronger action on climate change.

“It is in our interest to be good stewards of the world and good ancestors to those who come after us,” he said.

The King expressed sadness to Commonwealth leaders when calls for an apology for slavery were raised at the last CHOGM in Rwanda two years ago.

“I cannot describe the depth of my personal grief over the suffering of so many people as I continue to deepen my own understanding of the lasting impact of slavery,” he said at the time.

Buckingham Palace has also supported a review of the monarchy’s links to slavery in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to fly to Apia on Thursday to attend the welcome reception later in the day and talks on Friday and Saturday.

“It is a very special occasion to be in Samoa in the 75th year of the Commonwealth alongside so many Commonwealth counterparts and His Majesty the King,” he said in a statement.

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