King Charles III and Queen Camilla received a heartfelt welcome from the
District of Siumu on October 26, 2024, in a ceremony filled with hope for
their return to Samoa.
Their royal visit to host nation, Samoa is part of the Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which attracted thousands of
participants from 56 member countries to Apia.
As the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles upheld the legacy of his
late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, by traveling far from home to open the
summit, which was held for the first time in a Pacific island nation.
During their visit, the royal highnesses had the chance to interact with
locals, explore mangroves, gardens, and participate in traditional ava
ceremonies from the villages of Falelatai and Moata’a including Siumu.
While the King and Queen were staying at the Sinalei Reef Resort, situated
within the Siumu district, the people of Siumu found it culturally appropriate
to welcome their royal majesties in the traditional Samoan way.
Siumu district, located on Upolu Islandʻs southern coast, is a community
with a rich royal history and home to hundreds.
Arrival of the King and Queen
As their visit drew to a close, Siumu had the esteemed privilege to not only
welcome the royal couple but also to bid them farewell on behalf of Samoa.
After months of preparations, Siumu was ready to make history on a rainy
Saturday morning. Drenched yet determined, the chiefs lined up with
dignified grace to warmly welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Hundreds of people gathered in the pouring rain just to catch a glimpse of
the king and queen.
Conch shells were blown as their royal majesties arrived. They were
welcomed by the Samoan Government representative, Agriculture and
Fisheries Minister, Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt alongside, Siumu Member of
Parliament, Tuu’u Anasii Leota and Siumu High Chief, Faafotutupu Atanoa
Su’a Tusi Fa’afetai.
MP Tuuʻu greeted the British monarchs in his opening speech,
acknowledging the unfortunate timing of Samoaʻs wet season, but
emphasised the benefits of rain.
“This is what we call the showers of blessings,” he said.
A Royal Welcome
For the people of Siumu, the visit from their royal majesties was both
historic and a cherished blessing. High Chief Atanoaʻs keynote address
underscored the deep significance of the monarchʻs visit, symbolising the
enduring bond and respect between Samoa’s traditional values and the
esteemed British monarchy.
Despite the relentless rain, the chiefs and untitled men of Siumu prepared
to serve the ava, a gesture of welcome. Atanoa told the royals that the ava
is a drink of the Gods in the South Pacific Islands.
“In Samoa, it is the drink to honour and thank God for the numerous
blessings, good health, protection, caring and love,” he added.
Atanoa quoted a proverb from their district to the king saying,
“Your royal visit has lifted the house of Asomua on the peak of the Mount.”
King Charles Bestowed Honorary Chief Title
To mark the historic gesture of respect and love for the British monarchs
and to commemorate the occasion, Atanoa on behalf of the people of
Siumu bestowed his majesty, King Charles with a Samoan chief title.
He explained that the unique title signifies a special event for paramount
chief Tofaeono on his contribution to a war of four kingship of Samoa. It is
named, Toaiga-i-Tumua.
“In honour of Paramount Chief Tofaeono, his title [Toaiga-i-Tumua]
symbolises the unified power of events that unite families and Samoa.”
The royal couple were also treated with Samoan traditional gifts to
remember Siumu upon their return home.
Historical Event
History was made in the Siumu District as people of all ages, from children
to elderly mothers and fathers, gathered to witness the presence of the
British Monarchs.
Among the crowd, Tofaeono Tauti Samuelu Tanuvasa expressed his pride
at being part of this momentous occasion, calling it a dream come true.
“This history will not only live for this generation but for the future
generations to come,” he said.
His only hope is for King Charles III and Queen Camilla to remember this
day forever.
The feeling of excitement and privilege was also shared by Mareta Sonny
who is one of the dancers performing before the king and queen.
“I thank God for blessing our district with this great honour to welcome the
king and queen,” she added.
Dressed in yellow, black and green puletasi (attire) symbolising the
Samoan flower, mosooi (ylang ylang), Mareta, along with hundreds of
others, danced with all her heart to deliver an unforgettable performance.
Despite the rain, Siumu dazzled with a breathtaking display of fire knife
dancing, captivating everyone with their fiery performance.
Farewell Siumu
Speaking on behalf of the Samoan government as the celebrations came to
a close, Laauli expressed their hope that the royal couple had enjoyed
Samoaʻs hospitality and humble home.
He mentioned that his siblings, late father Prince Philip, and late mother
Queen Elizabeth had all traveled to Samoa. However, todayʻs activities are
meant to honour the royal couple and recognise their availability.
“We are now family forever, our aiga for life!”
Laauli also told the king that Samoa will always remember him in their
prayers for good health and long-life.
“May God protect you on your way back and Samoa loves you both.”
In an emotional speech, King Charles said they have become very
accustomed to the roads and are impressed by the beautiful way in which
all villages have decorated the roadsides.
“It is something very special to Samoa,” he said.
As they return home, the king says the special memories of their time in
Samoa will be taken with them.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Siumu for their wonderful generosity
in sending food offerings and other wonderful items to their lodging every
morning.
“And thank you for these wonderful gifts and for bestowing a particular title
on me. I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world.
“And hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you all.”
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