Aide says UK is using King Charles in politically challenging diplomacy

A senior royal aide says Britain is increasingly using King Charles for difficult diplomacy around the world.

During a recent Caribbean tour, slavery and calls for Britain and the king to apologise and pay reparations dominated discussions at a Commonwealth meeting.

Charles did not apologise or offer reparations, in line with government policy, but expressed personal sorrow about slavery’s horrors.

Leaders from the 56-nation Commonwealth broadly welcomed that expression as a positive step.

The king is constitutionally required to stay out of politics, even as the government asks him to handle sensitive diplomatic situations, including efforts to improve relations with the United States.

His role puts diplomacy alongside a difficult year for the monarchy, which has faced negative headlines and public criticism.

Charles remains head of the Commonwealth and head of state in 15 countries, but each nation and the Commonwealth will decide their future arrangements.