Dutch King apologises for the Netherlands' history and role in slavery

Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima lay a wreath at the slavery monument after apologising for the royal house's role in slavery and asked forgiveness in a speech greeted by cheers and whoops at an event to commemorate the anniversary of the country abolishing slavery in Amsterdam on July 1. Photo: AP

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands apologised on Saturday for his country's role in slavery and asked for forgiveness during a historic speech greeted by cheers and whoops at an event to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Dutch colonies.

The king’s speech followed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's apology late last year for the country’s role in the slave trade and slavery. The public expressions of remorse are part of a wider reckoning with colonial histories in the West that the Black Lives Matter movement spurred in recent years.