WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — King Charles III told a summit of Commonwealth countries in Samoa Friday that the past could not be changed as he indirectly acknowledged calls from some of Britain’s former colonies for a reckoning over its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla flew into Samoa late on Wednesday, for a visit during which the monarch will be offered the title of high chief and attend a summit of Commonwealth nations, following a six-day tour of Australia.

Britain's King Charles said on Friday the Commonwealth should acknowledge its "painful" history, as African and Caribbean nations continue to advocate for reparations for the country's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

During a speech Friday, King Charles III said the Commonwealth should acknowledge its "painful" history with transatlantic slavery.