British King in Samoa
Leaders from 56 countries, many with historical connections to Britain’s former empire, are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, which began on Monday. Samoa is the first Pacific Small Island Developing State to host the meeting.
Kiren Rijiju met King Charles III
King Charles III hosted an official dinner for delegations attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Apia, Samoa, where he met with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
Rijuju shared a photo with King Charles, stating, “The King Charles III hosted Official Dinner for the Head of Govt and Head of Delegation on the occasion of #CHOGM2024 at Apia, Samoa.”
Kava rituals: Pacific Islander heritage
The drink is typically consumed during traditional ceremonies, such as feasts or gatherings of chiefs, where it holds a place of honor.
Known locally as "ava," this slightly intoxicating, peppery root drink is an integral part of Pacific culture.
King Charles sipping 'Ava'
Dressed in a cream safari-style suit, the 75-year-old king sat on a stage at the head of a carved timber longhouse, surrounded by bare-chested and heavily tattooed Samoans.
The ceremony began with a symbolic debate among "talking chiefs" over who would prepare the mildly narcotic brew, known locally as "ava."
A Samoan man screamed as he decanted the drink, which was then presented to the king in a polished half-coconut.
Kiren Rijuju drinks kava
"Visited Toamua village in Samao and saw the villagers performing various traditional Samoan rituals. They accorded a warm welcome to me and my team. I will cherish this moment forever," Rijuju said on X.
King and Queen in Apia
Queen Camilla has inaugurated the ‘Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope,’ supporting SVSG's ongoing mission to raise awareness and educate young people on tackling and preventing violence against women and girls.
King with Head of State of Samoa
During a visit to Moata'a Village, the King also met with the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II.
British monarch with other delegations
The King welcomed new Heads of Government to the Commonwealth family.
The British monarch is on an 11-day tour of his Australian and Samoan realms -- the first major foreign trip since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
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