King Charles and Queen Camilla received a full ceremonial welcome as they touched down in Samoa on Wednesday evening, being greeted by a red carpet and a guard of honour.
Looking refreshed after their six-hour flight from Sydney, Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, waved as they stepped out of their plane at Faleolo International Airport.
Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Foreign Secretary David Lammy greeted them at the bottom of the steps before they were introduced to a number of dignitaries.
The national anthem played and then the King was invited to inspect the Guard of Honour, which was composed of Samoan police officers as the country has no armed forces.
The King and Queen said they were looking forward to spending four days in Samoa in a social media message, which read: “As we head towards Apia, we can’t wait to visit Samoa for the first time together and to experience the warmth of ancient traditions with your remarkable people. Feiloa’i ma le manuia!”
Hours earlier, the King and Queen bade farewell to Australia after a successful royal tour. People came out in their thousands to welcome them for their first visit since ascending the throne.
The royal couple are undertaking a state visit to Samoa, which is hosting the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
It’s a meeting of top Government officials from each of the 56 independent nations that make up the organisation.
It marks the first CHOGM Charles has attended as Head of the Commonwealth.
He will attend the CHOGM Opening Ceremony and will host a Dinner for Commonwealth Heads of Government.
The King will also host a Reception for New Heads of Government and will attend the CHOGM Business Forum to hear about progress on sustainable urbanisation and investment in solutions to tackle climate change.
Gender Equality and Women’s empowerment is one of CHOGM’s key themes, and the Queen will attend a side event to the Women’s Forum on the subject of ‘Advocating for Women and Girls in the Commonwealth’, with a focus on eliminating violence against women and improving health.
The mood in Samoa is one of excited anticipation, with the 16-mile stretch from the airport to where the summit is being hosted lined with a colourful display of tyres, coconuts and even buildings depicting the colours of the flags of each of the member countries.
Roads have been resurfaced, the airport has been enhanced with a new VIP terminal, new equipment has been installed at the government’s radio and television stations, infrastructure has been improved, and hotels and other venues have been renovated.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase our culture, showcase our heritage and how … proud (of) that we are as a country,’’ Former Samoan rugby player Freddie Tuilagi told The Associated Press.
“To host the King and the leaders of the Pacific, you know, the Commonwealth coming to Samoa is something special for us.’’
