King Charles describes slavery as monstrous injustice at Commonwealth meeting

King Charles III has called the transatlantic slave trade a "monstrous injustice" at a meeting of Commonwealth leaders. He said the history of slavery fills him with horror and described it as a deeply shameful period. However, he did not say sorry on behalf of Britain.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been thinking about whether to offer a formal apology for the slave trade. An apology would be a stronger step than the King's words, because it would mean Britain officially accepts responsibility.

The Commonwealth includes many countries that were once part of the British Empire. Several of these nations have been calling for apologies and financial compensation from former colonial powers for many years.