The King has told Commonwealth leaders the transatlantic slave trade "fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow," but did not offer an apology.
In his address to presidents and prime ministers at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Tuesday, Charles said his commitment was growing to find ways to "address the wrongs of the past with action for the future".
He delivered his speech against the background of Prime Minister Andy Burnham announcing a change in long-established Government policy and making an offer of talks on a slavery apology but not financial reparations.
The King told the leaders of the Commonwealth’s 56 member states meeting in Antigua: "Our history inspires us, can appall us, yet it can always teach us. We cannot change the actions of those who came before us. We can, however, learn from the past.
© Getty Images"The transatlantic trade in enslaved persons still casts a shadow over these islands and other Members of our Commonwealth. As I have said before, that shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow.
"And yet history also teaches us that evil need not have the last word; that character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice, as they did with the determination to end international trade in enslaved people, in which the Royal Navy played such a leading role.
"The more I have furthered my own understanding of the issues, through listening, learning and looking, the more committed I have become to finding ways for us to work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future."
Calls for apology over the slave trade
Calls for an apology and reparations from the UK have been growing in recent years and St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has reportedly said the economic and political bloc, was “ready to engage” in the structured dialogue Andy Burnham offered.
© Getty ImagesThe area around the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting opening ceremony was locked down for security with roads closed.
At the perimeter was a small protest with activists holding placards which read "You say you regret so apologise” and “Apologise for the greatest crime against humanity and let’s have reparatory justice".
The King arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on 30 October after state visits to the Bahamas and Guyana. He reunited with his wife, Queen Camilla, who hadn't joined him on the first two legs of the tour.
King Charles's 'unflinching honesty' in speech
Ahead of his landmark speech, the Palace indicated what the tone of the King's speech would be.
"As we have indicated, the King will not shy away from confronting the most shameful aspects of the past during this visit," said a spokesman for the King.
© POOL/AFP via Getty Images"You may therefore expect him to address them in his speech with unflinching honesty, sincere sorrow, and respect for the wider discussions that will be taking place between relevant governments on this issue at CHOGM and beyond.
"He will be speaking at CHOGM in his capacity as Head of the Commonwealth. It would not be appropriate for him to address matters of particular policy relating to the UK Government's position."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said previously he would consider a full apology but had ruled out reparations.
It means Charles, who is head of the Commonwealth, has been tasked with a delicate balancing act.
