Royal news live: King Charles accepts ‘painful aspects of our past’ as he bids farewell to Samoa
The monarch acknowledged the need to ‘right inequalites that endure’ in landmark speech
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King Charles III acknowledged the “most painful aspects” of the Commonwealth’s past as he bid goodbye to Samoa after indirectly acknowledging growing calls for slavery reprations in Samoa.
Charles and Queen Camilla ended their four-day state visit to Samoa by visiting a village twinned with the UK after attending a major Commonwealth summit was hosted by the Pacific nation.
In his landmark speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on Friday, the monarch acknowledged the need to “acknowledge where we have come from”.
He told world leaders at the summit: “None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”
But Charles stopped short of mentioning financial reparations that some leaders at the event urged for and instead exhorted them to find the “right language” and an understanding of history “to guide us towards making the right choices in future where inequality exists”.
Watch: King Charles urges world leaders to ‘right inequalities that endure’
‘Doctor’s orders’ curtailing aim to visit all Commonwealth nations, says Charles
The King’s “lifelong aspiration” is to visit all 56 Commonwealth nations but its expanding membership – and doctor’s orders – have thwarted his efforts.
Charles spoke about his ambition to travel to around a dozen countries missing from his list during a dinner he hosted with the Queen for Commonwealth leaders.
In a speech to those attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Samoa, the King said: “It remains a lifelong aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth – although nowadays it seems to be a race against our happily increasing numbers – as well as doctor’s orders.”
The event for the King, who has been receiving treatment for cancer since early in the year, was his only evening engagement of his nine-day tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Pictured: World leaders gather at Samoa dinner recpetion
Queen praises staff and volunteers safeguarding victims of abuse in Samoa
The Queen has praised the staff and volunteers safeguarding victims of abuse in Samoa for doing a “wonderful job”.
Camilla visited the Samoa Victims Support Group (SVSG) and toured a small campus where up to 100 abused children are given care and an education, while domestic abuse victims receive support and counselling.
After opening the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope, the King’s wife told members of the organisation: “You’re doing such a wonderful job for these children I will go back to Britain with fond memories.”
She suggested possible support for the organisation that relies on donations and fundraising, when she said she would see if she could “help you”.
Camilla toured the pre-school which was filled with donated toys, books and furniture and said: “It’s got everything here, it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Watch: King tells world leaders ‘the past cannot be changed’ in landmark Commonwealth speech
The King has told world leaders the past cannot be changed but nations can “commit” to “right inequalities that endure”.
Charles used his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit in Samoa as head of the family of nations, to stress how the relationship between member states meant “we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.”
In his landmark speech on Thursday (24 October), Charles said: “None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”
Watch here:
Watch: King tells world leaders ‘the past cannot be changed’ in landmark speech
The King has told world leaders the past cannot be changed but nations can “commit” to “right inequalities that endure”. Charles used his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit in Samoa as head of the family of nations, to stress how the relationship between member states meant “we can discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect.” In his landmark speech on Thursday (24 October), Charles said: “None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”
No plans to hold weddings for the public at the King’s Balmoral Estate
There are no plans to host weddings for members of the public on the King’s Balmoral Estate, a spokesman for the royal residence has said.
Weddings are mentioned in plans a representative for the Aberdeenshire estate had lodged for the Queen’s Building, on the grounds near Balmoral Castle.
The plans state the venue “may be used for weddings, dinners, meetings and associated events”, which it said would be “rare throughout the year”.
But a spokesman for the estate said: “There are no plans for Balmoral to host weddings as a commercial venture.”
Charles leads a toast at official Commonwealth dinner
King Charles is currently hosting an official dinner and reception for the Commonwealth Heads of Government at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum.
The monarch appeared to be in good spirits as he was joined by the likes of Sir Keir Starmer as he made a toast following a speech at the even in Apia, Samoa.
King acknowledges enduring pain of Commonwealth’s past
King Charles has acknowledged that the “most painful aspects” the Commonwealth’s past “continue to resonate”, as he indirectly acknowledged growing calls for slavery reprations in Samoa.
The gathering of presidents and prime ministers for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) could see member states begin a “meaningful conversation” about the issue of reparations for slavery, according to reports.
The monarch acknowledged the need to “right inequalites that endure” as he told world leaders at the summit: “None of us can change the past. But we can commit, with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure.”
He added: “Our cohesion requires that we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.”
Pictured: King Charles III and Queen Camilla host an official dinner and reception
Commonwealth connections ‘more previous than ever’ in time of ‘horrifying conflict’, says King
The King has told world leaders about the importance of “connections” in a time of “ heightened global tensions” and “horrifying conflict”.
Charles used his first speech to the Commonwealth’s biennial summit in Samoa as head of the family of nations, to stress the importance of their relationships.
“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,” he told the gathered leaders.
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