His Majesty The King
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
Open Letter
Sir,
The United Kingdom witnessed a unique event on 6th May 2023. It was of course the day of your coronation to become King Charles III of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
One month on, I believe it would be helpful to add to your in-tray a matter of utmost importance. One that can, and will, define your tenure as our King, and your legacy.
I believe it is time for you to champion a ‘Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission’. Indeed, a Royal Commission.
Britain had invaded many nations across the globe over centuries. We the victims of such invasions know our lived truth. A truth that has been passed through generations. To this day, the truth has never come out. There is an imperial narrative created by successive British governments to tell a false story of imperial benevolence. I believe it is time for Britain to take a lead in bringing out the truth, in correcting this false narrative, and to set in motion the path for reconciliation, restoration, and recognition.
Increasingly, this truth is coming out but in an uncoordinated and often unverified way. It has, and will, continue to confuse the true history which is what we should all aspire to secure. There is a danger that this mixture of truth, contaminated with half-truths and lies, will create a toxic atmosphere in our nation, and in other nations also.
It is time for acceptance of historical truths. We cannot aspire for good race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity, if the very fundamentals of truth and justice have been compromised. I would ask you Sir, to command your government to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Royal Commission. Such a commission should be empowered to investigate every aspect of Britain’s past and to put on record the true narrative. Restitution and repatriation (without which, there can never be a positive and productive future), compensation (this can take many forms), satisfaction (victims of British invasions should feel that there has been justice), and rehabilitation.
The task for the Royal Commission will be significant. I would therefore suggest it starts with the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the British Raj, India (i.e. the Indian sub-continent).
Our nation is passing through one of its most crucial phases and this has coincided with your role as our King. At this most crucial time in our history, it is time to own our past so we may forge a future that is reconciled with past burdens.
On June 5th, 1947, the US Secretary of State George Marshall outlined the "Marshall Plan" to rebuild Western Europe post World War II. The Europe of today was founded on that momentous day. Similarly, today you also have a choice to instigate the biggest reconciliation exercise ever attempted in the history of humanity. Sir, you have the opportunity to lead the nation on a path fit for the 21st Century. A path that is empowered by knowing the truth so that as a people we do not fall foul of our human inadequacies and exploit others for our benefit. The shame of the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ in all its manifestations, and its ramification to date, must be acknowledged. And the vestiges of that abhorrent practice must be corrected.
I leave the matter in your hands knowing that I have done my duty as a concerned citizen. I am always available should you require any further clarification or input.
Thank you.
