King Charles is travelling to Samoa as part of an upcoming royal trip, however he picked the island over New Zealand for one key reason, GB News’ Royal Correspondent has claimed.
The King is embarking on his first visit to a Commonwealth Realm since ascending the throne, with a trip to Australia and Samoa planned for October.
Accompanied by Camilla, the monarch will travel to the region from October 18 to 26, attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) during their visit.
The King and Queen were originally meant to visit New Zealand as part of the royal tour, however it was ruled out on “doctor’s advice”.
The King is going to Samoa for one specific reason, The Royal Record has claimed
Wikimedia Commons/PA
However, GB News’ Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker has said that there may be another reason as to why the Land of the Long White Cloud was eliminated from the agenda.
He sat down with GB News’ Digital Royal Editor Svar Nanan-Sen for this week’s episode of The Royal Record Episode to discuss Kate’s recent health update and how she will set a new protocol for royal duties.
Cameron said that Samoa was requested as a destination by the British government in a “strategic” move, as they want to foster a relationship between the two nations - particularly in light of Samoa’s climate change approach.
He said: “That’s something that the British government has asked the King to conduct, where he'll be meeting young people and having bilateral meetings with the politicians of Samoa.
ROYAL LATEST:
King Charles and Camilla on Broadbeach on the Gold Coast in Australia in 2018Getty
King Charles and Queen Camilla have not visited Australia since 2018Getty“I understand by speaking to a source in the Foreign Office yesterday that the Pacific Islands are very strategic for the UK Government, because they really want to build a big, proper trade relationship between the two countries.
“They also want to focus very much on their priority, climate change, which is Samoa's priority also. It's a very low lying island in the Pacific which is prone to danger when it comes to sea level rises.
“And of course, security in the Indo-Pacific region as well,” Cameron continued, stressing it as another crucial reason for the choice of destination.
Cameron said that the King has a valuable trait that he will bring to the table when in Samoa.
Cameron said that Samoa was requested as a destination by the British government in a 'strategic' move
Flickr
“King Charles is a master of soft diplomacy, and it is clearly going to be a big asset for the British government here.”
Announcing the eight-day trip, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “In both countries, their Majesty's engagements will focus on themes designed to celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa, as well as reflecting aspects of the King and Queen's work.
“The King, who has this year been receiving treatment for cancer, will meet Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer and will hear about the work to help those affected by melanoma.”
In Charles's very first Commonwealth Day message as King, in March 2023, he said of the Commonwealth: “Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.”