A French man in his 80s has made history by issuing what is believed to be the first formal personal apology in France for his family’s involvement in transatlantic slavery, marking a rare and symbolic moment in the country’s ongoing reflection on its colonial past.
Pierre Guillon de Prince, aged 86, publicly acknowledged the role his ancestors played in the slave trade and expressed deep regret for their actions. He said the apology was intended not only as a personal gesture but also as a call for wider acknowledgment from other families and from the French state itself.
Guillon de Prince’s family history is linked to Nantes, once the country’s largest hub for the transatlantic slave trade. Historical records indicate that his ancestors were involved in ship ownership operations that transported thousands of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic and also held plantations in the Caribbean.
During a public gathering in Nantes, he formally addressed the historical legacy of his family, stating that confronting the past was necessary, especially at a time when concerns about rising racism remain present in society. He emphasized that history should not be ignored or erased, but instead acknowledged openly and honestly.
His statement came during an event held ahead of the inauguration of an 18-metre replica ship mast, which was unveiled as part of a commemorative effort to reflect on France’s maritime and colonial history. The event also brought together voices from different backgrounds, including descendants of enslaved Africans.
One of those present was Dieudonné Boutrin, a descendant of enslaved people from Martinique and president of the association La Coque Nomade-Fraternité. The organization focuses on raising awareness about the legacy of slavery and encouraging open dialogue about historical injustices.
Boutrin praised the apology, describing it as a courageous act that could help encourage other families with similar histories to speak openly. He noted that many descendants of slave traders remain silent out of fear of reopening painful historical wounds or facing social backlash.
The collaboration between Guillon de Prince and Boutrin highlights a growing movement in France aimed at confronting difficult aspects of national history. Their joint work within the association seeks to “break the silence” surrounding slavery and promote understanding between descendants of both enslaved people and slave traders.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic as part of the transatlantic slave trade. France is believed to have been responsible for the trafficking of approximately 1.3 million of those individuals, making its historical involvement significant within the broader European context.
France officially recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001. However, unlike some other nations, it has not issued a formal state apology for its role in the slave trade, a fact that continues to generate debate both domestically and internationally.
In recent years, discussions around historical responsibility have gained momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron has taken steps to expand access to colonial-era archives and has supported initiatives to study France’s colonial relationship with countries such as Haiti. However, these efforts have stopped short of committing to reparations.
Globally, calls for reparations for slavery have been growing, ranging from symbolic apologies to financial compensation. Supporters argue that addressing historical injustice is essential for reconciliation, while critics believe modern governments should not be held responsible for actions taken centuries ago.
The issue has also been reflected in international diplomacy. Recently, France abstained from a United Nations vote on an Africa-backed resolution that described slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and called for reparations for affected communities.
Guillon de Prince’s apology stands out in this broader debate because it comes from an individual family member rather than a state institution. He said he hopes his actions will inspire others to confront their own family histories and contribute to a more honest public discussion about the past.
He also expressed a personal desire to pass this history on to his grandchildren, ensuring that future generations understand both the wrongdoing and the importance of acknowledging it.
As debates over historical accountability continue, his gesture adds a powerful personal dimension to an issue that remains deeply sensitive across Europe and beyond. Whether it leads to further apologies or broader policy changes remains to be seen, but it has already sparked renewed discussion about memory, responsibility, and reconciliation.
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