Dutch king apologises over country’s role in slavery

Dutch king Willem-Alexander apologised for the royal house’s role in slavery (Pool/AP)

Dutch King Willem-Alexander has apologised over his country’s role in slavery and asked for forgiveness in a historic speech at an event to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Netherlands.

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.