King Charles III and Queen Camila reached the Samoan islands. During the official welcome organized on Thursday, the monarch was treated to a cup of kava – a drink with mild psychoactive properties. Refreshments were prepared according to the traditional ritual.
After completing your visit to Australia King Charles III and Queen Kamila they went to the Samoan islands. The couple was officially welcomed there on Thursday morning, during a kava drinking ceremony, traditional for Samoans, organized in their honor. The monarch was seated on a platform from which he observed the process of preparing a drink made from methystine pepper root, which has slightly psychoactive properties.
When the drink was ready, it was poured into a polished coconut half and served to the king. Charles III accepted the treat, said “God bless” the kava he received, and then drank it. The participants of the ceremony welcomed it with applause – describes “The Guardian”. The king then visited the village of Moata with his wife, where he was appointed “Tui Taumeasina”, or supreme chief.
King Charles in Samoa. He took part in a kava drinking ceremony
– We feel honored that (Charles III) decided to come here, to our village, so as a thank you, we decided to give him the title (Tui Taumeasina) – said the chief of Lenatai Victor Tamapua before the monarch's visit, quoted by “The Guardian”. He also expressed hope that during the king's visit he would be able to talk to him climate change and the difficulties that the local population has to struggle with as a result. Charles III himself has declared many times in the past that similar topics are important to him.
King Charles during the kava drinking ceremony Victoria Jones – Pool/Getty Images
These issues will most likely also be discussed during the summit of the leaders of the Commonwealth of Nations, which brings together 56 independent countries, currently taking place in Samoa. Charles III will officially preside over it as monarch for the first time. In 2022, he will replace his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in this role.
Charles III's trip to Australia and Samoa is his farthest and longest trip since he took the throne in September 2022, and also his first trip outside Europe since it was announced that the king had been diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the year.
The Guardian, Reuters, PAP
Main photo source: Victoria Jones – Pool/Getty Images