King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Samoa as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is set to take place. The couple received a warm welcome from Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and local leaders upon their arrival in Apia on Wednesday evening.
On the previous day, they participated in a Royal Ava Ceremony, akin to a traditional kava ceremony, at the National University of Samoa, where they were greeted by the villagers of Falelatai. The ceremony was attended by important figures, including Samoa’s Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, and various cabinet ministers.
During their visit, the royals explored the Samoa Culture Village in Matagialalua, where they were greeted enthusiastically by locals, particularly children. They experienced the rich traditions and customs of Samoa showcased at the cultural center.
The royal visit is significant in celebrating the strong relationship between Samoa and the United Kingdom, which has been enhanced by Samoa’s role as the host for the upcoming CHOGM 2024. King Charles plans to engage with young people, community, and faith leaders, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity, which aligns with the key themes of the CHOGM, particularly “A Resilient Environment” and ocean conservation.
His itinerary includes visits to a mangrove forest and a national park to observe the efforts of local communities in protecting and restoring these essential ecosystems. Additionally, he intends to plant a tree in Samoa’s Botanical Garden to inaugurate a new section that will be named “The King’s Garden.”
Queen Camilla’s activities will also focus on her broader themes of work. She is scheduled to visit a traditional Samoan pastor’s school to observe the educational methods used to teach reading and writing. Furthermore, she will engage with the Samoa Victim Support Group, an organization dedicated to aiding survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, to learn more about the support services they offer to those in need.
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