Dutch King Willem-Alexander Apologizes for Country’s Role in Slave Trade, Receives Cheers from Crowd

On Saturday, Dutch King Willem-Alexander made a historic speech to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery, in which he apologized for his country’s role in the slave trade and asked for forgiveness. The speech was met with cheers and whoops from the crowd of invited guests and onlookers.

The king’s apology follows Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s apology late last year for the same issue. In his speech, Willem-Alexander referred back to Rutte’s apology, saying, “Today I stand before you.”

The king’s apology is part of a wider reckoning with colonial histories in the West that has been spurred in recent years by the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement has raised awareness of the long-term effects of slavery and colonialism on people of color around the world.

The king’s speech was met with a positive response from the crowd, and his apology is seen as a step forward in recognizing the wrongs of the past and taking responsibility for them. It is hoped that this will lead to more meaningful conversations about the legacy of slavery and colonialism, and how to move forward in a more equitable way.