King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa as they prepare for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The atmosphere in Apia was filled with enthusiasm as the royals were received by Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and other leaders on Wednesday evening.
On their first day, King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in a Royal Ava Ceremony, reminiscent of a traditional kava ceremony, held at the National University of Samoa (NUS) Fale Samoa, conducted by the villagers of Falelatai. This event was attended by significant figures, including Samoa’s Head of State Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, and the Prime Minister along with her Cabinet Ministers.
The royals also paid a visit to the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua, where local residents, particularly children, gathered to greet them. There, they engaged with authentic Samoan traditions and customs on display at the cultural center.
As stated on the Royal family website, the purpose of their Majesties’ State visit to Samoa is to honor the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations, which has gained momentum with Samoa hosting the CHOGM 2024.
King Charles is expected to engage with young people, as well as community and faith leaders. His schedule will highlight themes of sustainability and biodiversity, aligning with one of the key focus areas of CHOGM, which is ‘A Resilient Environment’ and the meeting’s emphasis on ocean conservation.
During the visit, His Majesty will tour a mangrove forest and a National Park to observe local efforts in restoring and protecting these essential ecosystems. Additionally, he will plant a tree in the Botanical Garden of Samoa to inaugurate a new section known as ‘The King’s Garden.’
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla’s engagements will continue to reflect her broader interests. She plans to visit an aoga faifeau (traditional Samoan Pastor’s School) to understand how students are educated in reading and writing. The Queen will also attend the Samoa Victim Support Group, a service that aids survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to learn more about the important support provided to individuals in crisis.
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