At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, King Charles III acknowledged the 'painful aspects' of Britain's colonial past but avoided directly addressing calls for reparations for slavery. While he highlighted the importance of understanding history and fostering equality, he sidestepped the contentious issue of reparatory justice that some Commonwealth leaders sought to discuss. The UK government has historically resisted formal apologies and reparations, despite a report suggesting Britain could owe around $24 trillion to affected nations. Calls for reparations have intensified, particularly from Caribbean and African nations, with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Reparations Commission advocating for a full apology. As CHOGM convenes, discussions around the next secretary-general are also underway, with all candidates supportive of reparations. The broader dialogue reflects ongoing challenges regarding historical injustices and the legacy of slavery within the Commonwealth.