Dutch King Willem-Alexander apologizes for colonial slave trade

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands apologized for his country's role in the colonial slave trade, acknowledging the brutal history of Dutch imperialism. He expressed remorse for the House of Orange-Nassau's inaction and the crimes against humanity committed during the era. The apology comes as part of a national reckoning, with the Netherlands taking steps to confront historical injustices and address institutional racism. The monarchy has commissioned a study on its role in colonial history, and the government has issued a grant to increase cultural awareness about slavery. The debate over apologies for imperialism and slavery continues in other European countries as well.