“God bless this ava, ia manuia” uttered King Charles III in acceptance of his ava at the state ceremony hosted by the district of Falelatai, at the National University of Samoa on Thursday. 

Seated next to the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, the head of Commonwealth nations opted for an island-style safari shirt instead of the usual suit. 

King Charles experienced first-hand the Samoan culture as he was welcomed by more than 50 shirtless village men proudly standing with their staff and ulafala surrounding the entrance of the Fale Samoa. 

Women from Falelatai waited in a nearby tent harmonising songs as they showed support for the village men. 

Tuimalealiifano told the British royals, “We are delighted for this royal ava ceremony in your honour”. 

“We pray to God almighty for his blessing and favour on your majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla and the Commonwealth nations…may you have a blessed stay in Samoa and a safe return to the United Kingdom.” 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa joined Tuimalealiifano in offering Samoa’s prayers for God’s continuous grace and mercy during their reign. 

“Further we pray the government and the people of the United Kingdom will be blessed with God’s peace.” 

King Charles and Queen Camilla were presented with ulafala followed by other traditional gifts such as siapo, food wrapped in banana and breadfruit leaves and a pig. 

Foreign media from the United Kingdom following the royals were curious about the protocols of the ava ceremony and some were surprised by the size of the pig that was presented.

At the NUS old foundation building, the King’s Commonwealth Scholarship was subsequently launched.