King Charles III is set to take part in some cultural festivities during his upcoming visit to Samoa this week. Recently, Freddie Tuilagi, Samoa’s honorary consul in the U.K., paid a visit to St. James’ Palace, showcasing traditional Samoan dance moves while attired in a bark cloth wrap and a necklace that is historically associated with orator chiefs. Dressed in a well-tailored blue suit, Charles watched and laughed as Tuilagi demonstrated the dance steps, showing eagerness to learn the movements himself. Tuilagi remarked that the king expressed enthusiasm about the dance, which speaks to Charles’s openness to experiencing local cultures.
Tuilagi, who relocated to the U.K. to pursue a professional rugby career, indicated that the king should expect a warm welcome and more lively dance demonstrations upon his arrival at the South Pacific island nation on Wednesday. With a population of around 220,000, the local communities have taken it upon themselves to prepare decorations and displays to show their appreciation for the king’s visit.
As the leading figure of the Commonwealth, King Charles is visiting Samoa for a summit involving top government representatives from its 56 member nations. Climate change, a pressing issue that he has advocated for over many years, will be at the forefront of the discussions during this gathering.
Samoa, which is among the regions most impacted by climate change, grapples with challenges such as rising sea levels, warmer oceans, and increasing storm intensity. Therefore, the Samoan people are likely to embrace the king’s visit with open arms.
This royal visit is garnering considerable media attention globally, as many Samoans hope that captivating images of King Charles and Queen Camilla on their stunning beaches will encourage European tourists and enhance the local economy. Tuilagi noted the significance of this opportunity to highlight Samoan culture and heritage, emphasizing pride in showcasing what their country has to offer. “Hosting the king and Pacific leaders in Samoa is indeed a special occasion for us,” he expressed.
To assist the king in experiencing the essence of Samoan culture, Tuilagi hopes that his display of traditional dance and song will leave a lasting impression. He took care to wear traditional attire, which often involves forgoing a shirt to embrace cultural authenticity. His goal is to convey a sense of joy and celebration through his performance. Tuilagi humorously added, “It’s not every day the king will see a chief from Samoa topless… at the palace,” capturing the lighthearted spirit of their cultural exchange.