King Charles III participated this Thursday in a tasting of kava, an ancient drink and an integral part of the culture of the South Pacific, in the capital of Samoa, where a Commonwealth summit is being held.
The 75-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla arrived in Samoa on Wednesday after a six-day visit to Australia, cut short due to her cancer diagnosis eight months ago.
The day after his arrival, Charles participated in a ritual ceremony in Apia, capital of Samoa, where he tasted half a coconut filled with kava, an ancient drink with anti-anxiety effects locally called “ava.”
He will soon be a great chef.
To consume, the kava root is pulverized and mixed with water before being filtered. This drink is an integral part of Pacific traditions.
“God bless this ava,” said the sovereign, dressed in a cream-colored suit, before raising the drink to his lips.
Charles is scheduled to travel later on Thursday to the village of Moata’a, where he will be appointed “Tui Taumeasina”, a high chief title. “We feel honored that he has chosen to be welcomed into our village,” Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a local chief, told AFP.
First time in Samoa
Samoa has been preparing for months for the arrival of Charles, who will make his first visit there.
It is also the first time that a summit of the Commonwealth, originally formed by former British colonies and later enlarged, has been held on a Pacific island.
The leaders present must adopt a declaration dedicated to the preservation of the oceans during the meeting that will last until Saturday.
Legacy of the Empire
But the summit also promises to be a new opportunity to discuss the legacy of the British Empire, particularly when the leaders present will have to elect a new secretary general who is expected to come from the African continent.
The three candidates to replace the British Patricia Scotland, in office since 2016, have publicly called for the payment of reparations for the role of the British Empire in slavery and colonialism.
Source: BFM TV