LONDON. As King Charles III prepares for his visit to Samoa this week, the monarch is not only set to discuss pressing global issues like climate change but will also likely be treated to the vibrant cultural traditions of the South Pacific, including the local dances that have already brought a smile to his face.
Freddie Tuilagi, Samoa’s honorary consul to the U.K., recently gave King Charles a preview of the traditional Samoan dance at St. James’ Palace, donning a bark cloth wrap and a necklace historically worn by orator chiefs. The 75-year-old king, dressed in a formal blue suit and tie, grinned and attempted to follow along as Tuilagi moved through the steps.
“He loves it. He said he wants to learn the dance,” Tuilagi said, visibly delighted after their meeting. He added that the king can expect a similar experience when he arrives in Samoa, where locals have been preparing to welcome him with open arms and a display of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Tuilagi, who moved to Britain to play professional rugby, highlighted the significance of King Charles’ visit to the island nation, which has a population of around 220,000. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our culture, showcase our heritage, and show how proud we are as a country,” Tuilagi said. “To host the king and the leaders of the Pacific, the Commonwealth coming to Samoa is something special for us.”
Climate Change at the Forefront of the Commonwealth Visit
King Charles, the symbolic head of the 56-nation Commonwealth, is traveling to Samoa to meet with top government officials. The main agenda of this visit is the ongoing global fight against climate change, a cause the king has been passionately advocating for decades.
Samoa, like many island nations, is at the front lines of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures, and increasingly intense storms threaten the country’s existence. For Samoans, the king’s focus on climate change resonates deeply.
A Royal Visit with Global Impact
The royal visit has attracted international media attention, with many Samoans hoping the event will promote their islands as a top destination for European tourists. With King Charles and Queen Camilla expected to stroll along Samoa’s stunning beaches, locals are optimistic that the images broadcast worldwide will help boost the nation’s tourism industry.
“It’s not every day the king will see a chief from Samoa topless … at the palace,” Tuilagi said with a chuckle, referring to the traditional attire he wore during his dance demonstration. His goal, he said, was to spread joy and leave a lasting impression on the monarch.
As King Charles makes his way to Samoa, he can expect more of the same lively, joyful atmosphere—alongside serious discussions about the planet’s future and how small island nations like Samoa can survive in the face of climate change.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
