The Union Flag has dominated a remote Samoan village to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla during their State Visit.
Moata’a residents decked out their roads and rooftops with patriotic symbols of Great Britain, alongside a gigantic billboard featuring King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Coronation portraits.
The Samoan village, which prides itself on “family, church and duty”, is located on the central north coast of Upolu island, and the population is made up of extended families.
“Duty” personified, King Charles was invited to the village to be proclaimed ‘Tui-Taumeasina’ (High Chief), an incredibly rare and prestigious title.
The King and Queen have embarked on a state vsit to Samoa, braving the heat and humidity to strengthen ties.
— GB News (@GBNEWS) October 24, 2024
It's Their Majesties' first visit together to the small country, which is currently hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Cameron Walker reports. pic.twitter.com/LQHWvLyTQ5
Paramount Chief of Moata’a, Tofaeono lunatic Fuatai, explained: “You just can’t have a cup of tea with The King. We need to give him a welcoming ceremony in our cultural context.”
Chief Fuatai told GB News that he wanted His Majesty to take his new title back to Britain to “remember our village” and the country of Samoa.
In the packed hall, filled with school children and adults dressed in traditional Samoan garments, the King and Queen sat upon throne-like seats to face the congregation.
Village Chiefs then performed a cut-down version of the ceremony, lasting only ten minutes, because of King Charles’ other commitments.
King Charles was presented with the ‘ava cup’ to drink from, containing a ceremonial beverage to mark the importance of the occasion.
The Union Flag has dominated a remote Samoan village to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla during their State Visit.
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Made from the dried roots of the native plant ‘Piper methysticum’ mixed with cold water, the beverage has been consumed by Pacific Island Countries for hundreds of years.
The King and Queen were dressed down for the occasion, a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of the South Pacific, athough the Queen appeared uncomfortable at first; she vigorously fanned herself to cool down.
The King was wearing a self-designed Royal Navy bush jacket style suit, made by Anderson & Sheppard.
The blue fabric trim pattern was designed by the Samoan School of Arts.
The Queen wore a white tunic and Palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine, accessorised by gold fish earrings.
After the brief ceremony, His Majesty spent time mingling with villagers before he rushed off to another engagement.
King Charles and Queen Camilla land in Samoa
ReutersThe Queen stayed behind, however, to focus on one of her deepest passions - children’s literacy.
The school children use traditional storytelling techniques and the bible to learn to read, and Her Majesty was treated to Christian-themed musical performances by the children.
Her Majesty was impressed with the children’s work displayed on the stage, and was presented with traditional gifts from some of the children attending the pastor school.
Before departure, The Queen was invited to become a member of the Women’s Committee of Moata’a Village - her own special title for a culture where men are usually in charge.
Their Majesties just missed a biblical rainstorm which passed over the village after their departure.
The King was, however, forced to use a sturdy umbrella later in the afternoon, when he visited the O Le Pupū’Pue National Park to learn about reforestation efforts.
