French Man Issues First Formal Apology for Family's Role in Transatlantic Slavery
An 86-year-old French man has publicly apologized for his family's involvement in transatlantic slavery, marking what is believed to be the first such formal apology in France. The apology was delivered in Nantes alongside a descendant of enslaved people during an event inaugurating a memorial. It highlights ongoing discussions about addressing historical legacies of slavery, including calls for r
Photo: Jez Timms / UnsplashAn 86-year-old French man, Pierre Guillon de Prince, issued a formal apology for his family's role in transatlantic slavery during an event in Nantes on Saturday. His ancestors, based in the city, were shipowners who transported about 4,500 enslaved Africans and owned plantations in the Caribbean. Nantes was France's largest port for transatlantic slavery.
Apology and Memorial Event Guillon
de Prince delivered the apology to a gathering ahead of the inauguration of an 18-meter replica ship mast.
He was joined by Dieudonné Boutrin, a 61-year-old descendant of enslaved people from Martinique. The two collaborate at Coque Nomade Fraternité, an association focused on breaking the silence around slavery. They described the mast as a beacon of humanity.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- Saturday
Pierre Guillon de Prince issued a formal apology for his family's role in transatlantic slavery at an event in Nantes.
2 sourcesThe Guardian · Reuters - Last month — March 2026
France abstained from a UN resolution declaring slavery the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations.
1 sourceThe Guardian - Last year — 2025
President Emmanuel Macron announced a commission to examine France's history with Haiti.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2025
A British maritime group apologized for its role in trafficking enslaved African people.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2020
A British insurance entity and a central bank issued apologies for historical links to slavery.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 2001
France recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity.
1 sourceThe Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
France will face increased pressure for official slavery reparations.
- 02
Associations like Coque Nomade Fraternité will gain visibility for anti-racism efforts.
- 03
UN discussions on reparations will intensify after France's abstention.
- 04
Public awareness of Nantes' slavery role will rise through the new memorial.
- 05
Similar apologies from European institutions will follow in coming months.
Transparency Panel
Related Stories
Ars TechnicaRFK Jr. Testifies on Vaccines, Budget Cuts, and Health Policies in Congressional Hearings
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a proposed 12% budget cut and addressed vaccine policies during back-to-back congressional hearings. He acknowledged the measles vaccine's safety for most people while facing questions on past comments and other i…
pbs.orgHealth Secretary RFK Jr. Testifies on HHS Budget Cuts and Priorities in House Hearings
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a proposed 12% budget cut during congressional testimony, highlighting reforms while facing criticism over vaccine policies and measles outbreaks. Lawmakers clashed with Kennedy on various issues, including past s…
Washington ExaminerU.S. Attorney's Office Reassigns Prosecutor in Brennan Investigation
The lead federal prosecutor in Miami overseeing a criminal probe into whether former CIA Director John Brennan lied to Congress has been removed from the case. Maria Medetis Long informed involved parties she was off the matter after concluding insufficient evidence existed. The…