THE King said "none of us can change the past" amid growing calls for reparations for Britain's role in the slave trade.
But Charles said he had come to recognise how historical wrongs can still have an impact on people in Commonwealth nations.
He told the leaders of the 56 member countries: "Our cohesion requires that we acknowledge where we have come from.
"I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate.
"It is vital that we understand our history - to guide us to make the right choices in the future."
He added: "We can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons.
"Where inequalities exist, for example, in access to opportunity, to education, to skills training, to employment, to health and to a planet in whose climate our human race can both survive and thrive, we must find the right ways, and the right language, to address them."
Charles, 75, was making his first speech as monarch at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
He was joined by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is resisting calls for Britain to make any reparations.
Esta historia es de la edición October 26, 2024 de Daily Mirror UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 26, 2024 de Daily Mirror UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
YOUNG AGAIN
Winger Dom is fighting fit after a nightmare illness that left him in hospital for weeks
LOST IN TRANSLATION
England stumped by Urdu mind games, claims rival Sajid
We're so lucky to go to school in a castle... It's like being in Harry Potter
Pupils learn in wizard stately home setting after primary shut by floods
12,000 Koreans sent to Ukraine
Fears of escalation are growing
Signing off
Radio legend Johnnie hosts final show of iconic career
Iran's plan for 1,000 missile blitz on Israel
Tit-for-tat vow if nuclear, oil or energy sites hit
A NEAR HISS
6ft wall-dwelling snakes loose in homes after zoo escape are no threat to humans
Sky do ..again
Chute sabotage survivor mum marries old pal
train as Sam but dance as Samantha (she's a bit more 'Ooh!)
Alter ego helps her beat nerves
Trump backer Musk's Cosy chats with Putin
Fear on motivation for talks