The Silence of the Crown: Ottobah Cugoano's Plea Against Slavery

In the late 18th century, the transatlantic slave trade was a deeply entrenched institution in Britain, supported by royal authority. Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, a formerly enslaved African, emerged as a prominent voice against this system. Born around 1757 in what is now Ghana, Cugoano was kidnapped at 13 and sold into slavery before eventually gaining his freedom in England. By the mid-1780s, he had become an active member of the Sons of Africa, a group advocating for the rights of Black individuals in Britain.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave trade

In 1786, Cugoano sent pamphlets detailing the atrocities of slavery to George, Prince of Wales, urging him to consider the plight of enslaved Africans. He framed his appeal to the prince's ambition, suggesting that abolishing the slave trade would secure his legacy. Cugoano's book, *Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil and Wicked Traffic of the Slavery and Commerce of the Human Species*, published in 1787, was the first anti-slavery treatise authored by a formerly enslaved African in Britain. He implored the monarchy to recognize its complicity in the slave trade and to act against it.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave tradeThis historian’s assault on the Royal family is utterly shameful

Despite Cugoano's efforts, the response from the royal family was minimal. The Prince of Wales kept Cugoano's book but took no further action. Cugoano's writings criticized the monarchy for its historical role in the slave trade, arguing that royal endorsement had legitimized the practice. He contended that unless George III intervened, divine retribution would follow for the nation’s complicity in slavery.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave tradeThis historian’s assault on the Royal family is utterly shameful

Some critics argue that Cugoano's portrayal of the monarchy's role in slavery is overly simplistic. They point out that many actions taken in the name of sovereigns occurred without explicit approval. Additionally, they highlight the complexities of historical context, suggesting that applying modern standards to past actions can lead to misinterpretations. Critics also note that the current monarchy has expressed opposition to slavery and has engaged in efforts to support descendants of enslaved people.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave trade

Cugoano's activism laid the groundwork for the abolition movement in Britain, despite his ideas initially receiving little attention. His call for immediate abolition and the political inclusion of Black people was considered radical at the time. Nevertheless, his efforts contributed to a growing movement that would eventually lead to significant changes in public sentiment and policy regarding slavery.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave trade

Cugoano's direct confrontation with the monarchy highlighted a critical moment in the history of British abolitionism. His appeals for justice and recognition of the monarchy's complicity in slavery were met with silence, a response that would resonate through generations. The opportunity for moral leadership was presented but ultimately declined, leaving a legacy of unresolved accountability regarding the historical injustices of slavery.

‘Unjust and inhuman’: how royal family ignored a Black abolitionist’s plea to end the slave trade