King Charles III should be prepared to dance when he visits Samoa this week.
Freddie Tuilagi ensured this would be the case when he recently visited St. James’ Palace adorned in a traditional bark cloth wrap and a necklace historically worn by orator chiefs. Charles, dressed in a blue suit and a carefully knotted tie, grinned while enthusiastically attempting to follow Tuilagi’s steps in a traditional Samoan dance.
“He loves it. He said he wants to learn the dance,” Tuilagi shared afterward, displaying his dance moves once again.
Tuilagi, who moved to Britain to play professional rugby, remarked that the 75-year-old king can expect similar experiences during his upcoming visit to Samoa. Villagers throughout the island nation of 220,000 people are preparing earnestly to welcome Charles and demonstrate their appreciation for his visit.
Charles, the symbolic head of the Commonwealth, is traveling to Samoa for a meeting with top government officials from each of the 56 independent nations that constitute the organization. The agenda primarily focuses on combating climate change, an issue Charles has staunchly championed for decades.
Samoans are likely to be highly receptive to the king’s visit. The islands are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, contending with escalating threats from rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures, and increasingly intense storms.
The royal visit has garnered global media attention. Many Samoans hope that images of the king and Queen Camilla strolling along the island’s picturesque beaches will attract European tourists and bolster the local economy.
“It’s an opportunity to showcase our culture, showcase our heritage and how proud we are as a country,” Tuilagi told The Associated Press. “To host the king and the leaders of the Pacific, the Commonwealth coming to Samoa is something special for us.”
Tuilagi voiced his hopes that his demonstration of Samoan dance and song would assist the king when he arrives. He particularly aimed to make a memorable impression by donning traditional attire, which notably involves leaving the shirt at home.
Think joy. That’s Tuilagi’s point.
“It’s not every day the king will see a chief from Samoa topless at the palace,” he said, chuckling.