Dutch king Willem-Alexander apologises for the Netherlands’ historic involvement in slavery

King Willem-Alexander has apologised and requested for forgiveness over the Netherlands’ historic involvement in slavery, describing it as “a crime against humanity”.

The monarch was talking at an occasion to commemorate the one hundred and sixtieth anniversary of the abolition of slavery within the nation, together with its former colonies within the Caribbean.

It is a part of a wider reckoning with colonial histories within the West which were spurred in recent times by the Black Lives Matter motion.

Addressing 1000’s of onlookers on the nationwide slavery monument in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark, Willem-Alexander stated: “On this day that we remember the Dutch history of slavery, I ask forgiveness for this crime against humanity.”

He admitted that racism in Dutch society stays an issue, however added that “times have changed and Keti Koti… the chains have truly been broken”.

“Keti Koti” are Surinamese phrases that imply the “the chain is broken”. It is the title given to 1 July as a day of remembrance of slavery and celebration of freedom within the Netherlands.

The Dutch king’s speech follows an analogous apology made by the nation’s prime minister Mark Rutte in December 2022.

Willem-Alexander referred again to this as he addressed the gang, saying: “Today I stand before you. Today, as your king and as a member of the government, I make this apology myself. And I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul.”

In December, Mr Rutte acknowledged the Dutch state bears a accountability within the Atlantic slave commerce and that it profited from it.

However, he has stated the federal government won’t pay reparations, as advisable by an advisory panel in 2021.

Willem-Alexander apologised in Indonesia in 2020 for “excessive violence” throughout Dutch colonial rule. And initially of 2022, he dominated out utilizing the royal household’s golden carriage after claims a portray on it glorified the nation’s colonial previous.