How King Charles navigated the slavery question on his Bahamas visit, writes Cameron Walker

Instead of ignoring the problem, he tackled the issue head-on: acknowledging the “enormous suffering” of the past, during a speech to young Bahamians.

One lady told me it meant a lot to her, because she believes her King understands the injustice felt by her ancestors – who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic to a British colony.

She told me: “It means so much to me because he said we cannot talk about our future without talking from our past.”

“So it meant a lot with me because it connected with me. Yes, you can be better than where you are.”

“You don’t have to look from where you came from. You can look forward to the future.”

When I was standing in Nassau’s Parliament Square, awaiting the start of the impressive Junkanoo, it did cross my mind that The King might look a bit awkward.

Colourful and flamboyant dancers dominated the main street as The King watched from the sidelines.

Then, however, The King did something unexpected: it wasn’t planned, and it appeared completely spontaneous.

King Charles III joined in the parade, dancing down the street in a sea of colour and sound.

This was hugely significant, because the celebration is rooted in the days of British colonialism.

Enslaved Africans would defy their masters, keeping their traditional music, dance and culture alive.

Generations later, the Junkanoo remains a powerful expression of Bahamian identity, and a story of resilience.

So, in a soft-power move, King Charles broke the mould – showing empathy with a culture that defies his own ancestors.

Still, some feel justice has not been served, and small protests demanded reparations and an apology from the King.

His Majesty offered neither, because his government has advised him against it.