King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands recently made a groundbreaking move by publicly apologizing for his country’s historical ties to slavery. According to experts, this contrasts with King Charles III’s approach of not offering any apology at all. They suggest that Charles should not only follow in Willem-Alexander’s footsteps with a similar apology but also be prepared to take further action.
In a speech on July 1, 2023, commemorating the 160th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander personally apologized for his ancestors’ involvement in the slave trade. He also acknowledged the lasting impact of this practice on society today. The King understood that this apology would elicit mixed reactions but decided to make it nonetheless, Politico reported.
The British monarchy, like its Dutch counterpart, has undeniable connections to the slave trade, which was only abolished in the UK in the 19th century. Queen Elizabeth I and James I, among other British monarchs, were known to have directly profited from slavery, as reported by The Guardian’s David Conn in April. Therefore, experts like Kristen Meinzer believe there is no better time than the present for an apology from the current royal heads.
Meinzer emphasized that the Dutch King’s apology set an example of how such apologies should be made: clearly, directly, and taking personal responsibility. She pointed out that King Charles III and his heir, Prince William, have skirted around the issue in the past, using passive language that cloaks their remorse. They have never explicitly stated that the British monarchy directly funded and perpetuated the transatlantic slave trade, or acknowledged that their family has profited from it.
Art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu shared a similar perspective, noting that Charles and William’s expressions of “sorrow” for Britain’s involvement in slavery have been watered down. Okeke-Agulu speculated that Charles might fear the legal implications of an apology, particularly regarding reparations. However, he stressed that an apology does not necessarily lead to immediate discussions about reparations. The first step is acknowledging the past and showing genuine remorse.
While reparations are complex and require further debate, Okeke-Agulu emphasized that an apology must be accompanied by concrete actions. Merely offering words without tangible follow-up would diminish the significance of the apology. Historian Marlene Koenig also stated that an apology from Charles would need to be supported and implemented by the British government, not solely by the monarch. Thoughtful solutions and offerings, in addition to a formal apology, would be necessary from both Charles and the government.
However, Meinzer argued that the immediate priority is acknowledgment and understanding rather than rushing into a reparations debate. She believes that a direct apology from the monarchy would lead to increased respect and open dialogue, both necessary for long-overdue conversations about the monarchy’s historical profiting from slavery and its ongoing implications.
If Charles fails to apologize or take substantial steps toward reconciliation, he risks being one of the last monarchs to avoid accountability. Other European royal houses have taken similar strides, such as Belgium, which has made efforts to reconcile with its colonial past. Charles has shown some consideration for addressing this issue through his support of research into the monarchy’s ties to slavery. However, Koenig emphasized that this is not enough, and remaining silent would burden future generations of the Windsor family with the apology that Charles neglected to make.
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King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Apologizes for Slavery Ties; Experts Urge King Charles III to Follow Suit
Recently, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands took an unprecedented step by apologizing for his country’s historical connections to slavery. Unlike King Charles III, who has remained silent on the issue, experts believe that he should not only offer a similar apology but also take further action.
On the 160th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander personally apologized for his ancestors’ involvement in the slave trade. He went beyond a simple apology and acknowledged the ongoing repercussions of this practice. Speaking directly and taking responsibility for his country’s past, the King recognized that his apology would be met with differing opinions but felt compelled to make it nonetheless.
The British monarchy, like its Dutch counterpart, has undeniable links to the slave trade, which was only abolished in the UK in the 19th century. Queen Elizabeth I and James I, among other British monarchs, directly profited from slavery. Therefore, experts such as Kristen Meinzer argue that the time is ripe for a similar apology from the British royal family.
Meinzer commended King Willem-Alexander’s approach, emphasizing the importance of a clear and direct apology that takes personal responsibility for past actions. In contrast, she noted that King Charles III and Prince William have been evasive, using ambiguous language that fails to acknowledge the monarchy’s direct involvement and profiting from the transatlantic slave trade.
Art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu echoed Meinzer’s sentiments, pointing out that the expressions of “sorrow” from Charles and William have been insufficient in acknowledging the horrors of British slavery. Okeke-Agulu mentioned that Charles might fear the legal implications of an apology, particularly concerning reparations. However, he stressed that an apology is the crucial first step towards reconciliation, and it does not automatically require immediate discussions about reparations.
While reparations are complex and necessitate careful consideration, Okeke-Agulu reiterated that an apology must be accompanied by concrete actions. A mere apology without substantial follow-up would be hollow. Historian Marlene Koenig also emphasized that an apology from Charles should be supported and enacted by the British government, rather than solely relying on the monarch. Additionally, thoughtful solutions and offerings alongside a formal apology would be necessary from both Charles and the government.
However, Meinzer argued that the immediate focus should be on acknowledgment and understanding rather than jumping into a reparations debate. She believes that a direct apology would build respect and foster open dialogue—essential for the long-overdue conversations surrounding the monarchy’s historical profiting from slavery and its modern-day consequences.
In failing to apologize or take meaningful steps towards reconciliation, Charles risks being one of the few remaining monarchs to evade accountability. Other European royal families, such as Belgium, have made efforts to confront their colonial past. While Charles has shown some consideration by supporting research into the monarchy’s ties to slavery, Koenig stressed that this is insufficient. Continuing on a path of silence would burden future generations of the Windsor family with an apology that Charles neglected to make.
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