A Guardian investigation shines light on the British monarchy's role in slavery

The United Kingdom faces a fresh reckoning with a dark chapter of its history. An investigation published on September 14 by British newspaper The Guardian reveals, according to its authors, the extent of British involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, particularly that of the monarchy.

According to the investigation, cited by RFI, thousands of British investors, parliamentarians and several sovereigns were allegedly involved financially in this trade, which saw millions of Africans enslaved and transported to the Americas between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The Guardian claims that British kings and queens are among the beneficiaries of this trade, though the precise details of these connections have not been widely known to the general public until now, according to the newspaper.

This publication reignites a debate already present in the United Kingdom over the historical responsibility of the monarchy and British institutions in slavery, as well as potential reparations to be considered—a subject regularly raised by several Commonwealth nations.

Neither Buckingham Palace nor other institutions have publicly responded to the conclusions of this investigation so far, based on available information at this stage.