Monarch Reflects on "Bittersweet Goodbye" After Sharing Health Update During Commonwealth Visit
King Charles shared an emotional message as he and Queen Camilla concluded their visit to Samoa on October 26. In a statement released via the official Royal Family social media accounts, the King described the departure as a "bittersweet goodbye" after spending the final day with local residents at Siumu Village, despite heavy rainfall.
"There was no dampening of spirits despite the rain on this parade!" the statement read. "It was a bittersweet goodbye as the local people at Siumu Village came out to wish Their Majesties well before their departure." The village has been paired with the United Kingdom as part of the CHOGM ‘adopt a country’ initiative, further cementing the bonds between the nations.
The King’s message came shortly after he shared a rare health update regarding his ongoing cancer treatment. During an official dinner hosted for the Commonwealth Heads of Government at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Apia, the monarch spoke about the need to follow his doctor's advice to slow down his royal engagements due to his health struggles.
Despite his health challenges, King Charles expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, emphasizing the significance of the connections forged during the visit. The emotional statement underscored the King's enduring commitment to his role while navigating the demands of his health.
