The arrival of a new monarch to the British throne may seem like an anachronistic event these days. From a symbolic point of view, the modernization and revision of the values that Charles III. was to propose during his reign, but had repercussions for many former British colonies around the world.
The British Empire became known as one from which “the sun never sets” because it spanned so many territories and continents. One of the key regions was the Caribbean, where there were more than 15 socalled British West Indies, including Jamaica, the Bahamas and Barbados, and British Guiana and Belize, which aren’t technically part of the Caribbean, but were part of territory that included a huge route of the international slave trade some 2.5 million Africans were brought to these countries.
Although the vast majority of these territories are now independent republics, there is a feeling and a demand from their people for redress or an apology from the British Crown. In addition, countries that are already independent but still have the British monarch as head of state, such as Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize, are moving towards Barbados, which removed Queen Elizabeth II from that post and became a republic in 2021.
The current King Charles III. was at the ceremony trying to show support. Regarding former colonies wanting to make this transition, he has said more than once that the Crown will not pose any obstacles. Despite this, there is a sense of unease in the region, suggesting that the king is expected to become more involved in the process.
On recent visits to some of these areas, the current Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie (brother and sisterinlaw of Charles) have faced antimonarchy demonstrations and demands for reparations. In Jamaica, a group of intellectuals signed a letter saying they had nothing to celebrate on the 70th anniversary of Elizabeth II’s reign because it would have been “a time of great suffering” for the country.
A photo of William and Kate greeting children through a railing drew backlash. Both royal couples had to change their schedules due to the protests.
William, first in line to the throne, said slavery was “abominable” and “should never have happened”. A more emphatic apology from the new monarch is now expected in the Caribbean. Although symbolic, it would be important for the debate on the current problems of these countries, which have their roots in this period: inequality, racism, poverty and disregard for indigenous heritage, among others.
In academia, the concept of “decoloniality” (without the letter “s”) is debated, proposing an interpretation of history from the perspective of native and enslaved peoples, rejecting and questioning the cultural, political heritage of European metropolises and symbologies.
Words from the new monarch could reignite these discussions. It would be good if the current social and political situation of the former colonies was more visible. From his new position, Charles can make symbolic gestures that will do something positive for the Caribbean after so many years of imperialist exploitation.