King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting taking place in Apia. The royals were warmly received by Samoan Prime Minister and other leaders upon their arrival on Wednesday evening.
On the following day, King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in a Royal Ava Ceremony, similar to a traditional kava ceremony, held at the National University of Samoa (NUS) Fale Samoa. The ceremony was attended by Samoa’s Head of State Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and various Cabinet Ministers.
The royal couple also visited the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua, where they were greeted by enthusiastic Samoans, especially children. They had the opportunity to experience authentic Samoan traditions and customs showcased at the cultural center.
According to the Royal family’s official website, their visit aims to celebrate the strong bilateral relations between Samoa and the UK, which have been enhanced by Samoa hosting CHOGM 2024. King Charles plans to spend time engaging with youth, community, and faith leaders. His agenda will highlight sustainability and biodiversity, resonating with one of CHOGM’s core themes—‘A Resilient Environment’—and its focus on ocean conservation.
The King will visit both a mangrove forest and a national park to observe local community efforts in restoring and protecting these essential ecosystems. Additionally, he will plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden to inaugurate a new section called ‘The King’s Garden.’
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla’s engagements will reflect her ongoing philanthropic work. She is scheduled to visit an aoga faifeau, a traditional Samoan Pastor’s School, to understand how children are educated in literacy. The Queen will also visit the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to learn more about the critical services they provide to those in crisis.
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