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Writer's pictureAdel Fruean

A Royal Visit on Royal Grounds: Siumu Welcomes the King & Queen




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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