King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits and much more relaxed as they were officially welcomed in an impressive ceremony.
The office of the monarch shared highlights from the special ceremony in the Pacific Island nation, which was hosted by the Samoan Head of State and his village.
“It was incredibly special to attend an ‘ava welcome ceremony at the National University of Samoa,” the message read alongside a carousel post of highlights.
“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.”
The royal couple was received by The Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and Ceremonial Attendants from Falelatai Village upon their arrival at the National University of Samoa.
Charles and Camilla, wearing ceremonial garlands, dressed down for the occasion as they were requested to embrace the “island vibe.”
As Charles drank an Ava drink from a coconut shell, it recalled the time when his mother, late Queen Elizabeth ll was also pictured drinking ‘ava during her Silver Jubilee Tour of the South Pacific in 1977.
The ceremony was originally planned to be held in the open air but had to be moved inside due to the heavy downpour.
King Charles is set to head the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) alongside other leaders for the first time as reigning monarch.