AMSTERDAM – The King of the Netherlands has formally apologised for his country’s role in the slave trade, saying he felt “personally and intensely” affected.
The country became a major colonial power after the 17th Century, holding territories across the globe, and Dutch slave traders trafficked more than 600,000 people.
King Willem-Alexander on Saturday called the practice a “horror”.
The royal family did nothing to stop it, he said.
He was speaking at an event marking the 160th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the country.
In June, a new study revealed that Dutch rulers received the equivalent of $595 million in today’s money between 1675 and 1770 from colonies where slavery was enforced.
During his speech in Amsterdam, King Willem-Alexander conceded that the “monarchs and rulers of the House of Orange took no steps against [slavery]”.
“Today I’m standing here in front of you as your King and as part of the government. Today I am apologizing myself,” he said. “Today, I am asking for forgiveness for the crystal-clear lack of action.” (BBC)
