King Charles was given a deeply moving look into the history of the transatlantic slave trade during the first day of his visit to Bermuda. The monarch was shown neck irons used to control slaves, dating from 1595, at the 1850 Ordinance House. The cabinet containing these artefacts, alongside others related to slavery, trade, and conquest, bore a caption stating: 'From 1550 to 1595, the official records show that 36,300 enslaved Africans were imported into Spanish Southern America.' It noted that the true figure was likely far higher. Another account described how slavery became the backbone of European empires, with Portugal and Spain turning to labour from West Africa to compensate for the dwindling Native American workforce.
Historical Context of Bermuda
Originally discovered by Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez in the early 1500s, the archipelago was not colonised until the English settlement in 1612. During his visit, the King watched a performance by Gombey dance troupes, an African-Caribbean tradition that nods to how slaves were only permitted to dance twice a year, using masks that are still used today.
The King's Solo Visit
The Times reported that it was always planned that the King would visit Bermuda alone, with the Queen having flown back to the UK following the couple's US state visit. The four-day trip was seen as a landmark moment at a time when diplomatic relations have become less stable. Among key moments during the visit was the King's address to Congress, in which the monarch was thought to have gently pushed against some of Trump's policies, including on climate change, Ukraine, NATO, and the need to uphold rules. Despite this, the speech was received warmly by both Democrats and Republicans, with aides suggesting Charles 'got on very well' with Donald Trump. The King's intervention even saw Trump lift tariffs on Scotch whisky as a parting gift for the visit.
One palace aide remarked: 'What looked like risk and challenge was also a phenomenal opportunity. One that was grasped in both hands by the King and we shall leave you to conclude what the outcome of that was. He's not a man to dwell long on what some may consider yesterday's successes, he is always looking towards tomorrow's opportunities, so generally we've tried to encourage him to feel positive – and he has – about the way that the American leg in particular has gone in particular, but his mind is already on what he can achieve next rather than what he achieved this week.'
Public Reception and Impact
Polling shows the visit was overwhelmingly popular with the public, with three quarters of respondents saying the King had handled it well. This included a solid majority from supporters of all political parties, according to YouGov. However, just 43 per cent believed the visit had positively impacted US policy towards the UK. The aide added that the King was driven by 'duty' and 'service'. They said: 'The King has greatly enjoyed it. It has been very busy and the crowds have been so huge they have made us extremely late, but no-one minds about that when you feel that you're doing some good here, showing that this island matters to Britain, because it certainly matters to the King.'
