King Charles and Queen Camilla have officially kicked off their first full day in Samoa — and they’re embracing the island vibes! Let’s dive into the highlights of their incredible royal visit.
On October 24th, King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 77, arrived in the Pacific island nation of Samoa, dressed in stunning all-white outfits. The King’s white bush jacket, trimmed with intricate embroidery by the Samoan School of Fine Art, set the tone for a day full of cultural connection.
The day began with a spectacular ‘ava ceremony, where the King participated in a sacred ritual. Charles poured some of the ‘ava drink onto the ground — a gesture of respect — and then took a sip. This special drink, made from the root of the ‘ava plant, symbolizes community and connection, according to Buckingham Palace.
In true island style, the royal couple were gifted stunning garlands: the King’s, made from dried pandanus fruit, and the Queen’s, a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Camilla kept cool in the humidity with a fan featuring her royal cipher.
But that wasn’t all! Charles and Camilla were presented with traditional gifts, including a hand-woven fabric and a whole pig, carried to them on a wooden platform by four Samoan chiefs. In keeping with custom, the pig will return to the village for local families to share.
As the royal motorcade passed through villages, the celebration was in full swing! Each village represented a different country of the 56-nation Commonwealth, with vibrant flags decorating their lawns. Men in traditional ‘ai lavalava skirts heralded the couple, blowing conch shells in a dramatic welcome.
Later, Charles and Camilla explored the charming Moata’a Village, home to just 1,420 people, to experience village life — a key part of the ‘fa’a Samoa,’ or the ‘Samoan Way.’ Charles took a walk through the village’s protected mangrove area, learning about their crucial role in supporting local ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla visited the local pastor school, where she watched children perform traditional songs and storytelling. As a strong advocate for literacy, Camilla was moved by the activities aimed at preserving cultural traditions through reading and education.
The royal visit leads up to the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with Queen Camilla shining a light on an issue close to her heart — tackling violence against women and girls. Speaking at a high-level CHOGM event, Camilla’s commitment to this global cause continues to inspire.
From ceremonial welcomes to heartfelt advocacy, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to Samoa is one for the history books!