Royal Kava Ceremony in Samoa
King Charles III of Britain participated in a traditional kava-drinking ceremony in Samoa, where he was honored as a “high chief” by the local community. The monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, took part in the age-old Pacific ritual, sipping the narcotic kava brew from a polished half-coconut. The event was part of the royal couple’s 11-day tour of Australia and Samoa, marking a significant foreign trip since the king’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
During the visit, Charles was bestowed with the title of “Tui Taumeasina” or high chief in the village of Moata’a. The local chief highlighted the pressing issue of climate change, showing the royal couple the impact on the mangroves and surrounding communities. The king also attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where topics like colonialism and climate change were discussed.
Commonwealth leaders addressed the need for reparations for slavery and colonialism, with a focus on climate financing as a form of restitution. Pacific island nations, at the forefront of climate change threats, called for stricter measures to reduce emissions from countries like Australia, Britain, and Canada within the Commonwealth.
The royal visit not only showcased traditional ceremonies but also highlighted the urgent global need for climate action and reparative justice.