King Charles And Queen Camilla Embrace Samoan Traditions With Special Ceremony And Ava Drink

As a dedicated royal watcher with years of experience under my belt, I must say that King Charles and Queen Camilla‘s visit to Samoa was nothing short of enchanting. The warmth and hospitality extended by the locals were truly heartwarming, reminding us all of the universal bond that ties humanity together.


Following a fruitful trip to Australia, King Charles III and Queen Camilla subsequently set foot in Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), commencing on Thursday, October 24, 2024. This was their initial day on the island.

The pair received heartwarming greetings from both locals and important figures, reflecting the hospitable essence of the Pacific region. King Charles sported a white bush coat adorned with artwork from the Samoan School of Fine Art, while Queen Camilla accentuated his look with a sophisticated all-white outfit.

The king and queen took part in a customary ritual involving an ‘ava beverage, which signified unity and bonding among the people.

This beverage is made by carefully grinding the root into a powdery consistency, which is subsequently combined with water. In accordance with custom, King Charles symbolically spilled some of the ‘kava onto the floor before partaking himself.

The significant occasion transpired at the National University of Samoa, graciously orchestrated by Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, the esteemed leader of the Independent State of Samoa. This exclusive function is traditionally held for monarchs, symbolizing the profound reverence and admiration accorded to royal guests.

At the ceremony, King Charles and Queen Camilla received floral tributes. The King’s tribute was fashioned from the dried fruits of a pandanus tree, whereas the Queen’s was created with bright blossoms.

Additionally, the pair received traditional presents such as a beautifully crafted textile woven by hand, along with a whole pig that was proudly transported on a wooden structure by four dignitaries.

The pig is going back to the village ruled by Samoa’s leader, where it will be enjoyed by local households. To add to the celebratory mood, men adorned in conventional ‘ai lavalava skirts and necklaces greeted the couple with the melodious sound of conch shell instruments.

The royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Samoa is intended to bolster their connections within the Commonwealth and immerse themselves in the native culture. Following the traditional welcome, they explored Moata’a Village, home to approximately 1,420 people.

During their expedition, King Charles strolled through a region that’s safeguarding mangrove forests. Mangroves are essential to the local environment, serving as breeding grounds for numerous fish and invertebrate species, and offering resources like firewood and dye materials from their wood and bark respectively. Unfortunately, these crucial ecosystems often face threats due to environmental damage and human development projects.

Simultaneously, Queen Camilla paid a visit to the local pastor school in Moata’a Village. At this location, she took pleasure in listening to children perform traditional melodies and watched as they engaged in a literacy exercise that revolved around traditional storytelling. As an ardent proponent of literacy, Camilla actively backs initiatives aimed at promoting reading skills not only in the UK but also across the globe for both youngsters and adults alike.

Read More

2024-10-24 16:23