King Charles and Queen Camilla Embrace Island Tradition in Samoa: ‘Incredibly Special to Attend an Ava Ceremony’
King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared relaxed and in high spirits as they were officially welcomed in a traditional Samoan ceremony during their visit to the Pacific Island nation. The event, held at the National University of Samoa, was hosted by Samoa’s Head of State, Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, along with ceremonial attendants from Falelatai Village.
The office of the monarch shared the highlights of the special occasion through a social media post, stating, “It was incredibly special to attend an ‘ava welcome ceremony at the National University of Samoa.” Accompanied by a series of photos from the ceremony, the message continued, “The ceremony involves the formal drinking of ‘ava, made from the dried roots of the ‘ava plant, and brings together participants in a spirit of harmony.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla embraced the island atmosphere, donning ceremonial garlands and dressing down for the occasion as requested to match the laid-back “island vibe.” During the ceremony, King Charles was seen drinking the traditional ‘ava drink from a coconut shell, a symbolic gesture that recalled a moment from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee Tour of the South Pacific in 1977, when she was also photographed drinking ‘ava.
Originally planned as an outdoor event, the ceremony had to be moved indoors due to a sudden downpour. Despite the change in location, the event proceeded with the same level of cultural significance and royal reverence.
The ‘ava ceremony is deeply rooted in Samoan tradition, symbolizing unity, respect, and the harmonious relationship between the people of Samoa and their guests. For King Charles and Queen Camilla, this experience was a key part of their journey through the Pacific Island nations.
King Charles, who is on a tour of the Commonwealth, is set to preside over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) for the first time as reigning monarch, where he will join other leaders in important discussions on the future of the Commonwealth.
The couple’s visit to Samoa marked an important cultural exchange, highlighting the close ties between the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth members. This journey serves as a continuation of King Charles’s commitment to strengthening the unity of the Commonwealth, following in the footsteps of his mother.