King Charles III has described the transatlantic slave trade as a "shameful chapter" of history that fills him with "horror" and "profound personal sorrow." The monarch made the remarks while opening a summit of Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda, stating that the trade in enslaved persons continues to cast a shadow over the association of nations.

The King's address comes amid renewed calls for the UK to issue a formal apology for its historical role in the slave trade. While no direct apology was offered in his speech, King Charles acknowledged his personal learning about the legacy of the slave trade and expressed a commitment to addressing past wrongs through future action.

"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," King Charles told the leaders. He added that his understanding of the issues has deepened, leading to a stronger commitment to "work in modern partnership to address the wrongs of the past with action for the future."

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) gathers leaders from 56 states, a voluntary grouping primarily composed of former British Empire territories. This year's meeting theme is "Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth."

King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently on a tour of the Caribbean, a trip that has reignited difficult conversations surrounding the UK's colonial past in the region. Earlier in their tour, the King spoke of past suffering in the Bahamas and visited a site of a slave rebellion in Guyana.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is also attending the summit, has previously indicated openness to a formal apology from Britain, though he has stated that financial reparations are not the appropriate solution. The King's role is not policy-making, according to Buckingham Palace, amid ongoing discussions about an apology.

King Charles's address also touched upon contemporary global challenges, including brutal conflicts, the realities of climate change, and rapid technological development, placing the historical reckoning within a broader context of present-day issues.

The Commonwealth, established in 1931, remains a significant international forum where leaders discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The biennial meeting serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among its diverse member states.