How Slavery in Grenada Bolstered King George IV's Wealth

Recent research has uncovered that King George IV may have gleaned personal profits from slavery in Grenada. Desirée Baptiste, a specialist in transatlantic slavery and colonialism at the National Archives in London, discovered an 1823-24 payment record equating to today’s value of $138,490. This sum, deposited directly into the King’s private account, originated from two plantations in Grenada owned by the Crown, significantly enhancing his “extravagant lifestyle.”Ruling the UK from 1820 until his death in 1830, George IV's involvement is raising urgency for the Monarchy to confront its historical ties to slavery and the notion of reparations. Arley Gill, head of the Grenada Reparations Commission, emphasized the need for a formal apology and reparations from the Royal Family.Experts like Nick Draper and Edmond Smith have verified Baptiste's findings, indicating that this may be merely a fraction of the broader narrative of colonial exploitation tied to the British monarchy. No official response from Buckingham Palace has been issued.