Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Saturday apologised for the Netherlands’ historic involvement in slavery and the effects that it still has today. The king was speaking at a ceremony marking the 160th anniversary of the legal abolition of slavery in the Netherlands, including its former colonies in the Caribbean.

“I’m standing here in front of you as your king and as part of the government. Today I am apologising myself,” Willem-Alexander said.

“On this day that we remember the Dutch history of slavery, I ask forgiveness for this crime against humanity,” the king added.

He further said racism in Dutch society remains a problem and not everyone would support his apology.