The King ditched the suit and tie for a relaxed island life outfit as he was welcomed to Samoa.
Charles and Camilla were officially welcomed to the Pacific island nation with a royal ‘ava ceremony, which saw them wear ceremonial garlands and drink an Ava drink from a coconut shell.
Wearing a Bush jacket with trim by Samoan school of fine art, Charles looked cool in the humid heat. The country’s prime minister urged those coming to the island for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) to forgo business suits and dress appropriate for island life. Hosted by the Samoan Head of State and his village, the ‘ava ceremony is a special ceremony reserved only for monarchs.
It was originally planned to be held in the open but due to the torrential downpours earlier that morning it was moved inside. Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, were 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.
The Queen, in a tunic and Palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine accessorised with gold fish earrings, kept herself cool by using a handheld fan with her cypher on.
Men, known locally as taulele’a, from Falelatai village commenced the ceremony by blowing conch shells to signal Their Majesties’ arrival and formed a ceremonial guard of honour.
