King Charles III concluded his two-day visit to the Bahamas on October 28, 2025, where he participated in a traditional Junkanoo street parade and addressed calls for reparations linked to Britain’s colonial-era slavery. The monarch is now en route to Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda as part of a nine-day Caribbean tour.
King Charles joins Junkanoo parade and acknowledges colonial past
During his first full day in the Bahamas, King Charles joined a vibrant Junkanoo parade in Nassau, dancing alongside performers in elaborate costumes. The event marked a cultural highlight of his visit, with the monarch playing Bahamian hand bells and moving to the parade’s rhythm. Earlier, he addressed young Bahamians, stating: ‘Some of what is best in Bahamian culture today, the most joyful, the most hopeful, the most bright, was born out of darkness. It is only right that we should acknowledge the great suffering and injustices of the past in these islands and beyond.’
Protesters demand reparations as King avoids formal apology
A small group of protesters gathered near the parade route, holding signs such as ‘Pay us what you owe us’ and calling for financial reparations from Britain over its historical role in the transatlantic slave trade. The King did not issue a formal apology during the visit, with Buckingham Palace stating that such decisions are for the British government. Dr. Niambi Hall Campbell-Dean, chair of the Bahamas National Reparations Committee, criticized the monarch’s remarks as ‘hollow platitudes,’ adding: ‘We deserve so much more than what was offered.’
Royal tour continues with Guyana and Antigua stops
The King’s itinerary includes stops in Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘His Majesty was delighted to return to the islands, which have such a special place in his heart. You will have seen the immense pleasure it gave him to be there, right across all elements of the programme.’ The tour, requested by the British government, follows calls for the monarchy to address its legacy in the Caribbean.
King’s travel and engagements detailed
Photographs shared by the Royal Family showed King Charles reading briefing papers aboard the RAF VIP Voyager aircraft, which features tartan cushions and plush seating. The aircraft, known as Vespina, serves as the primary transport for the Royal Family and government officials. During his visit, the King also met with Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and interacted with local students involved in his King’s Foundation programs.