Leaders of indigenous peoples from 12 Commonwealth countries have signed a letter calling on King Charles III of the United Kingdom to apologise for the “horrific impacts” of colonisation and to launch a compensation mechanism for indigenous peoples.

The letter, titled “Apology, Reparation, and Repatriation of Artefacts and Remains,” was released 48 hours before the monarch’s coronation on May 6, 2023, and demands a formal apology, a process of reparatory justice, the repatriation of all remains currently held in UK museums and institutions, and the return of cultural treasures and artefacts to the countries of origin.

The letter also calls on the UK Royal Family to adopt the renunciation of the “Doctrine of Discovery,” following in Pope Francis’ footsteps.

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The doctrine was used as a justification for the rights of colonial powers to newly discovered territories and was denounced by the pontiff on March 30 in a statement condemning acts of violence and social injustice during colonial times. Buckingham Palace and the UK government have not yet responded to the letter.

More than 11,000 police officers will patrol London’s streets for King Charles’ coronation, with officials stating they are well prepared to handle any incidents. Security forces have spent months preparing for the event, which will be attended by about 100 heads of state, and thousands of military personnel will take part in a procession.

Demonstrations are also planned by anti-monarchists in Trafalgar Square and along the procession route. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said the event was one of the most important security operations the country has ever mounted.

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Prince Harry and Prince Andrew will attend the coronation, but they will play no role in the ceremony. They will be seen, but not heard. Charles’s step-grandsons will have more duties to perform than his estranged son and disgraced brother. A traditional homage by royal dukes, which would have included Harry and Andrew, has been scrapped.

The presence of both will be felt, as they are the tabloid faces of the royal family. On Saturday, Prince William will stand in for the blood relatives, kneeling at his father’s feet and swearing his loyalty to him.