King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting taking place this week. The atmosphere in Apia was filled with excitement as the royal couple was welcomed by Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and other leaders on Wednesday night.
The day before, the royals participated in a traditional Royal Ava Ceremony, akin to a kava ceremony, hosted by the villagers of Falelatai at the National University of Samoa. The ceremony was attended by significant figures including the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, alongside the Prime Minister and various Cabinet Ministers.
During their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla toured the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua, where they were greeted by local Samoans, particularly children, eager to meet them. The royal couple observed traditional Samoan customs and practices showcased at the cultural center.
According to the royal family’s official website, this State visit aims to celebrate the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Samoa, which have been reinforced due to Samoa hosting the CHOGM 2024. King Charles plans to engage with young people, community leaders, and faith leaders, emphasizing themes of sustainability and biodiversity that align with the conference focus on the environment and oceans.
His Majesty will travel to a mangrove forest and a National Park to observe local conservation efforts aimed at protecting these vital ecosystems. Additionally, he will plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden to inaugurate a new section to be named ‘The King’s Garden.’
Queen Camilla’s itinerary will highlight her ongoing humanitarian work. She will visit aoga faifeau, a traditional Samoan Pastor’s School, to learn about literacy education for its students. Furthermore, she plans to meet with the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to gain insight into their crisis support services.
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