King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting taking place in the country. Excitement greeted their presence as they were welcomed by the Samoan Prime Minister and local leaders in Apia on Wednesday night.
On their first day, the royal couple participated in a traditional Royal Ava Ceremony at the National University of Samoa, hosted by the villagers of Falelatai. The event was attended by notable figures including Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa along with Cabinet Ministers.
King Charles and Queen Camilla also toured the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua where they were greeted by local Samoans, particularly children, who were eager to meet them. The royals observed various authentic Samoan traditions showcased at the cultural center.
The royal visit celebrates the strong bilateral ties between Samoa and the United Kingdom, a relationship that is expected to be further enhanced as Samoa prepares to host CHOGM 2024. King Charles’s agenda will include engaging with youth and community leaders, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity—key themes of the upcoming meeting centered around environmental resilience and ocean conservation.
His Majesty plans to visit a mangrove forest and a National Park to witness local community efforts in restoring and protecting these vital ecosystems. He will also plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden, marking the inauguration of a new section called ‘The King’s Garden.’
In parallel, Queen Camilla’s engagements will focus on her broader initiatives. She is scheduled to visit a traditional Samoan Pastor’s School to learn about the educational methods used to teach reading and writing. Additionally, she will meet with the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to understand the critical services they provide to individuals in crisis.
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