AMSTERDAM (AFP) – Dutch King Willem-Alexander issued a historic royal apology on Saturday for the Netherlands’ involvement in slavery, saying he felt “personally and intensely” affected.
His speech before thousands of descendants of slaves from the South American nation of Suriname and the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao got a positive reception, but many said they wanted the Netherlands to pay compensation.
“Today I’m standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising personally,” Willem-Alexander said to loud cheers. “I am intensely experiencing this with my heart and soul,” the monarch said.
The Keti Koti (“breaking the chains” in Surinamese) event to commemorate 150 years of the abolition of slavery in former Dutch colonies, was held under a light drizzle in the capital’s Oosterpark gardens.
Many of the participants wore colourful Surinamese clothes.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had officially apologised in December on behalf of the government.
It was not certain whether the monarch would follow suit for a trade that had brought vast riches to his ancestors in the House of Orange.
But the king said, “Slave trading and slavery is recognised as a crime against humanity.
“The monarchs and rulers of the House of Orange took no steps against it.
“Slavery illustrates the injustices of these laws,” prevalent at the time which allowed trade in human beings, the king said in his speech, aired live on television.
“Today, I am asking for forgiveness for the crystal-clear lack of action”.
Those present widely welcomed the apology. “He told the people from Suriname he was sorry,” said Abmena Ryssan, 67, who was dressed in bright robes and exotic headgear.
“Maybe he can now do something for black people,” Ryssan told AFP.
“We need reparations,” added Lulu Helder, a teacher whose ancestors were slaves.
“He took responsibility, so I forgive him,” said Arnolda Vaal, 50, dressed in a slave woman’s traditional outfit.
A study released in June found that the royal family earned EUR545 million (USD595 million) in today’s terms between 1675 and 1770 from the colonies, where slavery was widespread.
