King Charles Honors Late Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy in Special Samoa Ceremony
King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared cheerful and more relaxed as they were officially welcomed in a grand ceremony.
The royal office shared highlights from the event held in the Pacific Island nation, hosted by the Samoan Head of State and his village. “It was incredibly special to attend an ‘ava welcome ceremony at the National University of Samoa,” the post read, accompanied by a carousel of images from the occasion. “The ceremony involves the formal drinking of ‘ava, made from the dried roots of the ‘ava plant, and fosters a spirit of harmony among participants.”
Upon their arrival at the National University of Samoa, the royal couple was greeted by Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, along with Ceremonial Attendants from Falelatai Village.
Embracing the “island vibe,” Charles and Camilla donned ceremonial garlands and dressed casually for the event. As Charles sipped ‘ava from a coconut shell, it brought to mind a similar moment when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was photographed drinking ‘ava during her Silver Jubilee Tour of the South Pacific in 1977.
Although originally planned to take place outdoors, the ceremony was relocated inside due to heavy rain. King Charles is also set to lead the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) alongside other leaders for the first time as the reigning monarch.
