After a busy tour of Australia, King Charles and Queen Camilla are en route to Samoa, marking their first visit to the Pacific island nation. The royal couple shared a heartfelt message as they departed on Wednesday, expressing excitement for this milestone journey.
“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,” their message read, including the Samoan phrase “Feiloa'i ma le manuia!” meaning, “looking forward to meeting the Samoan people.” They signed off with “Charles R. & Camilla R.”
Upon their arrival, Samoa’s Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa will welcome them, marking the King’s inaugural visit to a Pacific nation as monarch. King Charles will also attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), underscoring his commitment to Commonwealth nations.
This tour is King Charles’s first overseas trip since his health diagnosis earlier this year. With 27 engagements completed in Australia, it remains to be seen how many will be undertaken in Samoa, considering the monarch’s health condition.
