Amid the protests against systemic racism, a group is calling on Queen Elizabeth to apologize for slavery and colonialism. They said that the monarch has been "absolutely silent" on this issue when all of her predecessors since William IV have been guilty of this.
Graham Smith of the Republic, a campaign group, said that Queen Elizabeth should make a statement and address the fact that her ancestors tried to stop attempts to abolish slavery many centuries ago. Smith said that while Queen Elizabeth is not personally responsible for slavery, she must acknowledge the mistakes of her predecessors "in the spirit of the time it's wholly appropriate."
Smith said that the royal family's wealth was acquired through slavery and colonialism. However, she was been silent on this matter since the protests sparked several weeks ago.
Smith also said that King Philippe of Belgium led the monarchs of the world in making an apology. The royal said that he "deeply regrets the injuries of the past" that his country inflicted in the Republic of Congo in a letter addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi.
In 2018, Queen Elizabeth's heir, Prince Charles, did acknowledge Britain's role in slavery and said that this left an "indelible stain" in the world. The Prince of Wales said this was a ""profound injustice" that must not be forgotten.
He said that Britain should be proud in leading the calls to abolish this trade. However, Prince Charles said that there is still work left to do to ensure that this never happens again and this responsibility lies in the present generation.
Meanwhile, Sir Michael Palin, the star of "Monty Python," is also calling for a change in Queen Elizabeth's insignia for the Order of St. Michael. He was a recipient of such a prestigious recognition from the Queen but he said that its design must be altered because it resembled the manner in which George Floyd was killed.
Floyd was the Black American arrested by cops who died in their custody as he was being pinned down to the ground during his apprehension. His death sparked the protests across the U.S. calling for a change in the police departments and the end of systemic racism.
Palin joins other recipients of the medal from Queen Elizabeth in saying that they will no longer wear this, such as Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen. A petition with nearly 16,000 signatures was launched to ask the royals to change the image, according to Fox News.
