The Prince of Wales was confronted with the harsh reality of slum living today, meeting former prostitutes during a tour of one of Uganda's poorest districts where one in ten people are HIV positive..

Making his first trip since arriving in Kampala last night for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference, the Prince visited a crowded shanty town in which most struggle to live on about 50p a day. He met former sex workers who are being re-trained, with the help of British aid, to offer a way into legitimate employment.

As Charles made his trip, the Queen opened the bi-annual conference by telling the leaders of two million citizens that the bloc's “respect for fundamental human rights” should act as an inspiration for citizens worldwide.

Her words carried particular resonance, coming only hours after Pakistan's suspension from the 53-member alliance “pending the restoration of democracy and rule of law” by President Musharraf. As the Queen gave her speech, 38 Commonwealth heads of government and 10 special envoys, deputy leaders and foreign ministers sat behind her - but the seat for Pakistan stood empty.

She told them: “I hope that in your discussion about transforming societies, you will consider this abiding principle: that we should treat those around us as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

“That is the case for governments, as for communities, as for us all individually. Moreover, the importance we all attach to dialogue; to hearing the voices of governments but also many of the other voices in society; to respect for fundamental human rights.

“These qualities still place the Commonwealth in a strong position to lead.”

The opening ceremony to the conference, at which the Queen spoke, was colourful and elaborate, lasting three hours and consisting of a dances, displays and musical presentations to showcase Uganda.

On an oval stage, the performers depicted all stages in the development of the country from colonial rule to the fight for independence and darker moments when military coups were used by successive leaders to seize power.

Hours after the conference started, Prince Charles - on his first trip since arriving in Uganda - went to visit a brothel. Arriving at Kawempe, home to about 300,000 people, he was greeted by a crowd of enthusiastic men, women and children who had lined the street.

The slum is one of Uganda's most crowded, with more than 9,000 people living on each square kilometre.

Walking around the dusty streets, the Prince was beckoned into a local store.

Its delighted owner, Maureen Kanjeyo, spoke to the visiting VIP before he moved on. She said: “I am very happy, very proud. I have never had a prince in here before.” She joked that she would now be renaming her shop, which sells sweets, rice and millet, to King Charles Store.

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