King Charles and Queen Camilla Attend CHOGM Church Service in Antigua

OPA WIRE, Nov 1 (OPA) — King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a service at St John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration in Antigua on Sunday morning. The couple, who arrived separately in the Caribbean, were greeted by a steel pan band and local officials, including Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The event is part of the broader Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which focuses on themes of unity and partnership among the 56 member nations.

The diplomatic atmosphere remains strained as Caribbean leaders continue to press for a formal apology and financial reparations for Britain’s historical role in the slave trade. While Buckingham Palace has maintained that the King will address the "shameful aspects" of the past with "sincere sorrow," officials reiterated that the monarch will not issue a formal apology or offer reparations, citing the UK government's established policy on the matter.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently signaled an openness to discussing an apology, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders in London. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned that such an apology could serve as a precursor to demands for billions in compensation. Chancellor John Healey defended the Prime Minister’s willingness to engage in dialogue while maintaining that modern British citizens should not be held financially liable for historical atrocities.

King Charles is scheduled to deliver a keynote address to delegates on Tuesday. A palace spokesperson confirmed the monarch will speak in his capacity as Head of the Commonwealth, noting that it would be inappropriate for him to address specific UK government policy. Despite the political friction, the King has maintained a rigorous schedule of public engagements during the eight-day tour, aiming to bolster bilateral trade and diplomatic ties across the region.