APIA, Samoa — Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Samoa late Wednesday, commencing a momentous visit where the monarch will be honored with a distinguished title and participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This visit follows their six-day tour of Australia, further cementing their roles in global diplomacy.
The royal couple received a warm welcome at the airport from Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and various dignitaries. As a band played “God Save the King,” the national anthem of the United Kingdom, King Charles took time to inspect a guard of honor formed by Samoan police, as the nation does not maintain a standing military. Following this formal greeting, the king engaged in a private discussion with the prime minister, highlighting the significance of the Commonwealth’s relationship with Samoa.
This visit marks King Charles’ inaugural trip to Samoa as monarch, coinciding with the much-anticipated annual summit of Commonwealth nations. The Commonwealth comprises 56 member states, many of which have historical ties to the British Empire. As the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, King Charles plays a vital role in nurturing relationships among member countries, especially smaller states like Samoa that face pressing environmental challenges.
Addressing Climate Change and Its Impact on Rising Sea Levels
Climate change emerges as a central theme at this year’s Commonwealth summit, representing a critical threat to many Pacific island nations, including Samoa. With over half of the Commonwealth’s members categorized as small states, discussions regarding ocean protection and strategies to combat rising sea levels are expected to dominate the agenda.
The effects of climate change are particularly pronounced in the Pacific, where nations grapple with the harsh realities of eroding coastlines and communities compelled to relocate inland. Leaders at the summit are anticipated to make a unified declaration emphasizing ocean conservation, signaling their dedication to addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
During his visit, King Charles will be presented with the esteemed title of high chief, reflecting Samoa’s rich cultural heritage and its respect for distinguished visitors. The title ‘Tui Taumeasina’ will be conferred upon him during a traditional welcome ceremony on Thursday. Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a respected Samoan chief and parliament member, underscored the significance of this honor, which symbolizes the monarch’s role in fostering global unity and his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
King Charles’ Environmental Legacy
The environmental issues raised at the summit resonate deeply with King Charles’ decades-long advocacy for climate change awareness. He has consistently warned about the perils of unchecked climate change, labeling it as the most pressing challenge humanity faces. This visit offers the king a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the devastating impacts of rising sea levels on Samoa’s coastal communities.
In addition to ceremonial activities, King Charles is scheduled to tour a local mangrove reserve, where he will observe the repercussions of escalating tides. “The king tide today is about twice what it was 20 or 30 years ago,” remarked Tamapua, illustrating the increasing challenges confronting Samoa and other Pacific nations. “It’s eroding our land, pushing people to move further inland. The impact is undeniable, and we need to address it urgently.”
King Charles has made climate change a focal point throughout his reign. His engagement in initiatives aimed at environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development has established him as a leading voice in the global fight against climate change.
Historical Ties and Modern Challenges
King Charles’ visit to Samoa follows a significant tour of Australia, marking his first official visit as king. During this trip, he faced controversy when an Indigenous Australian senator accused him of “genocide” during a speech in Parliament House, which arose amid discussions on the historical relationship between Indigenous Australians and the British monarchy.
Despite these challenges, the royal couple’s tour of Australia was seen as a pivotal moment in reaffirming the UK’s relationship with a key Commonwealth realm. This journey was also King Charles’ first major overseas visit since being diagnosed with cancer and marked the first time in 13 years that a British monarch visited Australia.
While the Australian segment of the royal tour included difficult moments, attention now shifts to Samoa, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue their efforts to fortify connections with Pacific nations. The Commonwealth summit offers a vital opportunity for member states to collaborate on addressing significant global issues, especially for nations vulnerable to climate change.
No Discussions on Reparations
While climate change is expected to be the central focus at the summit, the issue of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade will not be formally addressed. Caribbean nations have been advocating for this topic to be discussed within the Commonwealth, but Britain has indicated it will not raise it during the meeting. Nonetheless, the British government remains open to engaging with leaders who wish to discuss it informally.
As King Charles and Queen Camilla proceed with their tour of Samoa, their visit will undoubtedly reinforce the ties between the UK and the Pacific island nations. The summit will concentrate on urgent global challenges, with the hope that the Commonwealth can present a unified front in the fight against climate change—a cause that has long been central to the new monarch’s agenda.
The visit also allows King Charles to reaffirm his commitment to the Commonwealth and the smaller nations that constitute its framework. For Samoa, hosting the king and queen represents a moment of pride, showcasing the island nation’s vibrant culture and resilience in the face of adversity.