At a Commonwealth reception held at St. James's Palace on October 2, 2024, King Charles charmed guests by participating in a Samoan dance, guided by Freddie Tuilagi, a former professional rugby player and honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission. The event, attended by over 300 guests, celebrated the Commonwealth Diaspora of the United Kingdom ahead of the King's planned tour of Samoa later this month.
Tuilagi, dressed in traditional Samoan attire, invited the King to join him in the dance, which Charles eagerly embraced. After handing off his drink, the King mirrored Tuilagi's moves, fluttering his arms across his chest in the customary style. Guests, including Queen Camilla, watched as the King participated with enthusiasm, even receiving a ceremonial fly swat draped over his shoulder as part of the performance. Tuilagi later praised the monarch's efforts, declaring, "He’s got the moves!" (Meaww)(Evening Standard).
This moment of cultural exchange comes ahead of King Charles’s round-the-world trip, which includes stops in Australia and Samoa, where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (The Independent). The lively reception, which also featured other notable guests like Grace Jones and rugby star Joe Cokanasiga, reflected the King's commitment to engaging with diverse cultures across the Commonwealth (Evening Standard)(The Independent).
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