Britain’s King Charles III is expected to address the lasting legacy of the transatlantic slave trade with what Buckingham Palace described as “unflinching honesty” and “sincere sorrow” during the final leg of his Caribbean tour in Antigua.

The King will speak to Commonwealth leaders on Tuesday, with his address expected to acknowledge the enduring pain and suffering caused by slavery and its consequences across generations.

The planned remarks come amid renewed debate in Britain over whether the government should formally apologise for its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and consider reparations to affected communities.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he was “open” to the possibility of a formal British apology, marking a shift in the government's previously stated position. He made the comments in an opinion piece published on Friday night.

Buckingham Palace was reportedly informed in advance of Burnham's remarks. However, the King is not understood to have made any changes to his planned speech in response to the prime minister's comments.

Britain has never formally apologised for its role in the transatlantic slave trade or agreed to pay reparations for the historical injustice.

The issue has remained a source of debate among Caribbean nations and other countries affected by slavery, with calls for acknowledgement, an official apology and reparatory justice.

Charles's address is expected to draw attention to the historical legacy of slavery and its continuing impact, as Commonwealth leaders gather in the Caribbean. (ILKHA)