King departs Bahamas as Palace aide praises ‘respectful way’ he acknowledged slavery’s ‘great injustices’

The celebration traditionally was a way enslaved Africans kept their music, dance and culture alive after being forcibly transported across the Atlantic.

Generations later, the Junkanoo has become a powerful expression of Bahamian identity and past resilience.

Meanwhile, His Majesty was said to have been “delighted” to return to the Bahamas, a realm that holds a “special place in his heart”.

Speaking as His Majesty departed the Bahamas, a Buckingham Palace spokesman told GB News: “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, and I know he was deeply grateful for the warmth and scale of the welcome he received from so many people, including from the Prime Minister, of course.

“The great wall of cheers he received when greeting crowds will echo long in his memory – and be a source of tremendous pride and encouragement as the tour continues to Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.

“The Youth Rally performances and the Junkanoo were particularly joyful standout highlights, but I don’t think anyone had expected him to get so swept up in the carnival spirit that he would actually join the parade!

“Such moment aside, as the King had hoped, the visit proved an opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm the modern partnership between the Bahamas and the UK, to address the shared challenges of the future and also to acknowledge the great injustices of the past in a respectful way.

“In that sense, I think most would agree the visit has been both a sensitive balancing act and a strong diplomatic success.”

The King is en route to Guyana, where he will embark on a State Visit.

Last week, Guyana’s President urged His Majesty to issue a formal apology for the transatlantic slave trade.

Acting on UK Government advice, King Charles is not expected to do so.