The King of The Netherlands has formally apologised for his country's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, saying he felt personally affected.
The country became a major colonial power after the 17th Century, holding territories across the globe, and Dutch slave traders trafficked more than 600,000 people.
Speaking at the Keti Koti Festival, marking the 160th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the country, King Willem-Alexander called the practice a "horror".
He admitted that the royal family did nothing to stop it.
Accompanied by his wife Queen Maxima, the King acknowledged that he could not speak for the entire nation, but he told the crowd that the vast majority of Dutch citizens are in support of the fight for equality for all people, regardless of colour or cultural background.
He said, after acknowledgment and apology, work can begin on healing, reconciliation and restoration.
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