King Charles III was made High Chief in Samoa on a packed first day that was sealed with a sip of ‘ava.
Wearing a white bush jacket trimmed with Samoan School of Fine Art-crafted embroidery, Charles, 75, and 77-year-old Queen Camilla – who also wore an all-white ensemble for the occasion – were welcomed warmly to the island state on Thursday.
If the King and Queen’s tight schedule wore on them, they didn’t show it. Perhaps the ‘ava Charles drank – a mild narcotic also known as kava – helped take the edge off.
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In 1977, on her Silver Jubilee Tour of the South Pacific (including Australia), Queen Elizabeth II was welcomed to Samoa with ‘ava, drinking out of the same bowl presented to Charles 47 years later by Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa.
“‘Ava bowls are important symbols of Samoan hospitality, and have played a vital role in the rituals and celebrations of Pacific islanders for centuries,” the Royal Collection Trust said on Instagram.
“‘Ava is not just a beverage, but a symbol of community unity and connection.”
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Made by meticulously pounding of the root into a fine powder and mixing it with water, in large quantities, drinking ‘ava can be harmful.
Charles only took a sip, but in 2022, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Michael McCormack notably “went cross-eyed” after drinking an entire bowl of kava.
McCormack, who was sent to the hospital and then “slept for 14 hours”, specifically was drinking the sakau strain of the drink, which is stronger.
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After his tipple, Charles and Camilla were presented with garlands to wear. Charles’ was made from dried pandanus tree fruit, while Camilla’s was made from flowers.
Camilla was also seen keeping cool with a fan that had her royal cypher emblazoned on it.
Held at the National University of Samoa and hosted by Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, the ‘ava ceremony is reserved only for monarchs.
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Charles was also made honorary High Chief of Samoa in another ceremony held in the village of Moata’a.
”When you are given a title like this, it is a big honour,” village chief Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai said, per the Times.
“We hope that the King takes a small part of Samoa away with him. Once he has the title of Tui-Taumeasina we also become part of him, and he will be connected to our people and our lands forever.”
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Charles and Camilla’s visit to Samoa follows their five-day tour of Sydney and Canberra.
Today, they’ll be present for the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and are scheduled to leave Samoa on Saturday.
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