King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa in anticipation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting taking place in the country. The atmosphere in Apia was filled with enthusiasm as the royal couple was greeted by Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and other local leaders on Wednesday night.
On the previous day, the King and Queen participated in a traditional Royal Ava Ceremony, similar to a kava ceremony, at the National University of Samoa. The event was held in honor of the royal visitors by the villagers from Falelatai and included attendance from Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, and various Cabinet Ministers.
Additionally, the royals visited the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua, where they were warmly welcomed by locals, particularly children. They were able to observe various traditional Samoan customs and practices showcased at the cultural center.
According to the Royal family’s official website, their visit to Samoa aims to commemorate the strong bilateral ties between the two nations, further enhanced by Samoa’s upcoming hosting of CHOGM 2024.
King Charles plans to engage with young people and community leaders, emphasizing sustainability and biodiversity, which aligns with the key themes of CHOGM, particularly focusing on environmental resilience and ocean conservation. His itinerary includes visits to a mangrove forest and a National Park, where he will observe local efforts to restore and protect these vital ecosystems. He is also set to plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden to inaugurate a new area called ‘The King’s Garden’.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla’s activities will center on broader themes connected to her engagements. She is scheduled to visit a traditional Samoan Pastor’s School to gain insights into the reading and writing education provided to students. Additionally, she will tour the Samoa Victim Support Group, which helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to learn more about the services offered to individuals in crisis.
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