Prince William Speaks Out On Britain's Role In Slave Trade: 'Should Never Have Happened'

Prince William has spoken out on Britain's role in the slave trade. The Duke of Cambridge acknowledged the involvement of Britain in the trafficking of slaves to the Caribbean and the United States in his landmark speech in Jamaica Wednesday night.

"I want to express my profound sorrow," he said, as per People. "Slavery was abhorrent. And it should never have happened."

"While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage, and fortitude," he added. "The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit."

He also made reference to the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which is observed on March 25 every year, and expressed his gratitude to the Windrush generation, the Jamaicans who arrived in the U.K. to help rebuild the country after World War 2.

"We are forever grateful for the immense contribution that this generation and their descendants have made to British life, which continues to enrich and improve our society," he said further.

What Prince William said about slavery echoed the statement his father made last year, when he talked about Britain's colonial history and "the appalling atrocity of slavery." During Barbados' transition ceremony in November, Prince Charles mentioned the horrors of slavery and how it stains Britain's history.

"From the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude," he said at the time. "Emancipation, self-government and independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determination have been your guides."

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Caribbean tour has been met with anti-colonial protests, with citizens asking for their apologies for the slave trade. However, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the pair's visit would provide an opportunity to address Jamaica's "unresolved" issues with Britain.

"Jamaica is, as you would see, a country that is very proud of our history and very proud of what we have achieved," Holness explained. "We are moving on and we intend to attain in short order, our goals and fulfill our true ambitions as an independent, developed, prosperous country."