by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Details of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s upcoming trip to Samoa next month have been unveiled.
This visit coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, marking the King’s first attendance as Head of the Commonwealth. Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa announced last week that all 56 member countries have confirmed their participation.
According to the royal office, in addition to attending CHOGM, the King’s schedule will align with one of the meeting’s main themes—“a resilient environment”—and its emphasis on ocean-related issues.
The King and Queen will be officially welcomed with an ‘Ava Fa’atupu ceremony and will engage with locals to showcase Samoan traditions and culture.
They are set to participate in the CHOGM opening ceremony and will host a dinner for the Commonwealth leaders.
Additionally, Charles will attend the CHOGM Business Forum to discuss advancements in sustainable urbanization and climate change solutions.
His itinerary includes a visit to a mangrove forest, a National Park, and Samoa’s Botanical Garden, where he will plant a tree to inaugurate a new section named ‘The King’s Garden’.
Queen Camilla’s activities will involve visiting an aoga faifeau to observe reading and writing instruction, as well as visiting the Samoa Victim Support Group, which aids survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She will learn about the support services offered to those in crisis.
With gender equality and women’s empowerment being another key theme of CHOGM, Queen Camilla will also participate in a side event at the Women’s Forum focused on advocating for women and girls in the Commonwealth, particularly in combating violence against women and enhancing health.
Their tour, scheduled from October 18 to 26, will also include Australia, where they will explore the National Botanic Gardens and discuss indigenous plant usage, as well as hear from staff and volunteers about the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment this year, will also meet two Australians of the Year to learn about their efforts in supporting those affected by melanoma, one of Australia’s most prevalent cancers.
