The King will acknowledge "the great suffering of the past" as he begins a nine-day tour of the Caribbean in the Bahamas, against the backdrop of calls for him to apologise for Britain’s colonial legacy.
At Clifford Park, where the nation gained independence in 1973, the King will address The Future Bahamas Youth Rally and Exhibition after watching a traditional Junkanoo, a colourful parade which has its roots in the culture of enslaved people and has evolved to become a source of cultural pride.
He is expected to say: "Some of what is best in Bahamian culture today - the most joyful, the most hopeful, the most bright - was born out of darkness.
"It is only right that we should acknowledge the great suffering of the past, in these islands and beyond, even as we rejoice in the successes of the present and build new opportunities for the future.
He will add: "Tonight it gives me enormous hope to see the way generations of Bahamians have carried the history, the legacy and the promise bequeathed to you by your ancestors, with pride in your hearts and purpose in your steps.
© Getty"You have not only carried their legacy, you have nurtured and enhanced it, creatively and courageously, and we have seen tonight what a wonderful gift it is, to The Bahamas and to the world."
But on the advice of the UK Government, he will stop short of making an apology or offer of reparations amid growing calls for him to do both.
He will, however, pause to reflect on the historic trade of enslaved people and the impact of the UK’s colonial legacy in all three countries.
"At the request of host Governments, The King’s programme will primarily focus on shining a light on the many modern partnerships and opportunities for the future that are having a transformative effect on the region, as it confronts the challenges of today," said a Palace spokesman.
© Getty"For His Majesty, this tour is both a new journey but also the continuance of a lifelong one, in which he has sought to engage, understand and educate about the most shameful aspects of our past. This will therefore also be reflected in differing ways and words during the tour, as you would expect."
The debate is set to continue throughout the King’s trip, although the governments in all three countries are said to be keen to highlight other priorities, including youth opportunity, education and employment, along with climate change.
The issue is particularly keenly felt in the Bahamas, where the islands sit just two metres above sea level.
© Getty ImagesAt the rally, the King is expected to say that "our world cries out for healing," adding that "for my own part, for more than 50 years, I have tried through various initiatives and organisations, to assist young people across the Commonwealth…to innovate, to prosper and to thrive, and to do so in harmony with Nature".
He will urge young people to "take up the sacred task to play your part" in tackling the climate crisis, as "in years to come, this will surely be the measure of every person - how they answered the call to care for Planet Earth - the source of our life, our prosperity and our security".
The King's RAF flight landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport just after 4pm local time and he was met on the tarmac by Dame Cynthia Pratt, Governor-General, and Prime Minister Philip E. Davis among other officials.
© Getty ImagesHe watched from a dais as 96 members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force formed a guard of honour and gave a royal salute, playing their country's national anthem, March On, Bahamaland, before the King stepped off to inspect the guard.
Charles attended independence celebrations in the Bahamas more than half a century ago, when he delivered a message from his mother Queen Elizabeth II to the Bahamian people.
At Clifford Park, he will tour exhibits and speak to young people taking part in educational programmes before viewing the cultural performance and making his speech.
