Chogm 2024: King Charles and Queen Camilla receive royal welcome in Samoa – in pictures

King Charles III shakes hands with a local resident as he meets villagers and community groups involved in the reforestation efforts at O Le Pupu-Puʿe national park, in Sa’agafou, Samoa.

Samoa’s prime minister, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa (L), speaks during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm) opening ceremony in Samoa’s capital, Apia.

King Charles III speaks at the Chogm opening ceremony.

Traditional dancers perform during a Samoa Cultural Village visit. The 2024 summit is the king’s first as head of the Commonwealth.

Canoeists take to the water as King Charles visits the Mangrove Restoration Project at Moata’a, near Apia. This project highlights the benefits of coastal biomes such as mangroves in maintaining climate-resilient landscapes.

Local rugby union players perform a Samoan war dance during the Samoa Cultural Village visit. The village celebrates the importance of traditional arts, crafts, culture, enterprise and sport in Samoa.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla pose with local villagers during their Samoa Cultural Village visit.

King Charles and the Chogm secretary general, Patricia Scotland, talk during the opening ceremony.

Community members look on during an official royal ‘ava ceremonial welcome at the National University of Samoa.

Schoolchildren wait for King Charles III to visit O Le Pupu-Puʿe national park. The reforestation work at the park is part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a pan-Commonwealth initiative that highlights Queen Elizabeth’s service to the Commonwealth.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at Moata’a church hall where they will receive a short traditional ceremonial welcome, during which the king will be bestowed with a high chief title (Tui-Taumeasina) by proclamation.

King Charles is kissed by resident Molly Faamanatu Nielsen as he visits the Mangrove Restoration Project at Moata’a.

Queen Camilla visits Moata’a’s aoga faifeau (pastor school/church school) to learn about the history and impact of the schools in villages.

Local people wait for King Charles’s visit at the Mangrove Restoration Project at Moata’a.

Village community members wait for the arrival of King Charles III and Queen Camilla before an official royal ‘ava ceremonial welcome at the National University of Samoa.