A lot of people doubt the legitimacy of this and even criticize the showing of weakness by the monarch of one of the leading economies in the world. However, King Charles did it. In one of his first speeches as a monarch of the United Kingdom, he told a foreign leader that he wants to see the legacy of colonialism to its end. And as he received criticism, he received much more praise for the move.
King Charles asked for future cooperation and a close relationship with the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. This is one of the moves that King Charles undertakes in order to make the Commonwealth a stronger unity. And there is a reason for it. The speech comes as a response to the calls in some of the nations in the Commonwealth to get rid of the monarchy, and the king, once and for all.
King Charles ‘Sort-Of’ Apologizes To South African Leader For The Wrongs Of Colonialism
When looking at history, King Charles made it very clear that the atrocity of slavery appalls him. According to the current monarch, slavery is something that left a big dirty stain on UK’s history. He told this in a speech in Barbados last year, when the country decided to break free from the Commonwealth and become a republic.
“From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.” – King Charles told the people of Barbados.
A couple of months ago, he repeated this stance when speaking to Commonwealth leaders.
“I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact.” – King Charles told the leaders earlier this year.
Now, at the state banquet in the organization of Buckingham palace, King Charles told Commonwealth leaders his plans once more. According to the monarch, history is history and it shouldn’t be forgotten or denied. Furthermore, if something, history could be very instructive and educational. The UK needs to learn from it, in order to not repeat the mistakes. That’s why King Charles thinks that acknowledging history, and acknowledging the ‘wrongs that shape UK’s past’ is the way to go.
“While there are elements of that history which provoke profound sorrow, it is essential that we seek to understand them. As I said to Commonwealth leaders earlier this year. We must acknowledge the wrongs which have shaped our past if we are to unlock the power of our common future.” – King Charles told the attendees.
President Ramaphosa and the remaining of his delegation were thrilled by the acceptance and hospitality of the new monarch. They were in the UK for a two-day visit to the state, during which they met with the King and Queen Consort, and the Prince and the Princess of Wales.
A total of a little more than 160 people attended the banquet. All of them – politicians from both countries and sounding names in the British government. The banquet marked King Charles’ first appearance as King in front of a larger audience.
“President Ramaphosa, Avuxeni, Dumela, Sawubona, Molo, Molweny, Ndaa. My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening.” – King Charles started his speech at the banquet. “South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life. My mother often recalled her visit in 1947, the year before I was born. Then, from Cape Town on her twenty-first birthday, she pledged her life to the service of the people of the Commonwealth. It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this. The first State Visit we have hosted.”
King Charles continued his speech by praising South Africa for what it means to him and to the royal family. He reflected on a story about his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, which the past president of South Africa told him during one of the visits.
“During one of my own visits to South Africa, in 1997, President Mandela told me something funny. He told me that he had conferred on my mother a special name – Motlalepula, meaning ‘to come with rain’. I have been reassured that this was a mark of the particular affection President Mandela felt for the Queen. Rather than a remark on the British habit of taking our weather with us!” – King Charles left the crowd smiling and laughing.
Princess Kate Middleton and Prince William are the other thing that made the banquet special. They took an unsparing involvement in the banquet. The Princess of Wales entertained the South African President, chatting and sharing laughs with him.
1000 soldiers, more than 200 horses, and 7 military bands greeted President Ramaphosa upon his arrival on Tuesday. He was a guest of honor at the banquet and was given all that goes with it.
Another thing that caught the eye of the newsletters and the people present is the stunning looks of Kate Middleton. She wore an old tiara, made in 1914, and pearls and diamonds. The jewelry accompanied her majestic smile and beautiful figure, shaped into the white dress she wore. The tiara is the same one that her late mother-in-law wore in 1985 on an official visit to Washington. Now, it saw the light of day once more and made Kate Middleton feel and look special. Some might say that she even was the star of the banquet.
The South African president, Mr. Ramaphosa sat in the president’s chair in 2018. 4 years later, the public in South Africa doesn’t feel fond of him that much. There is a controversy that surrounds his ruling. A theft of several million dollars that might cost him his presidency.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBxS4WSdiGg
