King Charles addresses difficult issues in CHOGM speech

King Charles is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM, for the first time as Head of the Commonwealth. He gave his first in-person speech to CHOGM leaders on Friday 25 October. And he made a personal confession as well as addressing difficult topics.

The King touched on several topics in his speech on Friday, including ongoing global conflicts and a complex colonial past, and the importance of working together as Commonwealth nations. The King said ”At a time of heightened global tensions, of horrifying conflict and challenges of the greatest magnitude, it seems to me that these connections between us are more precious than ever. Together we are wiser, stronger and more able to respond to the demands of our time.”

However, the monarch cannot speak for the government on issues requiring government apologies. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said this week that the United Kingdom may be open to non-financial reparations but no further information has been shared.