King Charles and Queen Camilla Conclude Royal Tour of Australia and Samoa: See the Best Photos!

Mar. 15, 2025

King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a farewell ceremony, on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa at the Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Photo:Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

King CharlesandQueen Camilla’s royal tour of Australia and Samoa kicked off on Friday, Oct. 18 and will run through Saturday, Oct. 26. This tour marks a first for the King, as it’s his first visit to a Commonwealth realm since taking the throne in September 2022; it is also his first trip of this size and scope since announcing he had beendiagnosed with cancerearlier this year. Here are some of the highlights from the trip, as told in photos.

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The King and Queen Arrive in Sydney

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Sydney Airport for their official welcome on Oct. 18, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

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Photos of the King and Queen Light Up the Sydney Opera House

A projection of a photograph of King Charles and Queen Camilla is seen on the Sydney Opera House in Sydney on Oct. 18, 2024, as the royals arrive for a six-day visit to Sydney and Canberra.DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty

DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty

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Queen Camilla Wears a Meaningful Brooch in Sydney

Queen Camilla arrives in Sydney with King Charles to begin their tour of Australia and Samoa on Oct. 18, 2024.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

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King Charles Makes History as First British King to Visit Australia

King Charles smiles at Admiralty House on the second day of a Royal Visit to Australia on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

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The King and Queen Attend Church for First Public Engagement of Tour

King Charles and Queen Camilla depart following a service at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Dean Lewins - Pool/Getty

Dean Lewins - Pool/Getty

06of 42King Charles Gives His First Speech in Australia, and Brings a Gift!President of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin (right), watches as King Charles turns an hourglass he is presenting as a gift to mark the Bicentenary of the New South Wales Legislative Council, during an event marking the anniversary at New South Wales Parliament House, on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Aaron Chown/Pool via GettyKing Charles said it was “slightly worrying” to think that it was “nearly 60 years” since his first visit to Australia, he said in his first speech in Australia on Sunday, Oct. 20. Addressing a reception at Parliament House in Sydney to mark the legislature’s bicentenary year, the King gave an hourglass as a gift to mark the 200th anniversary of the New South Wales parliament.“In the spirit of marking the passage of time, it is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the Parliament," the King said. “It is in fact an hourglass — a speech timer — to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the Legislative Council’s next chapter."“With the sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as sovereign, and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long," he added. “So, thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.”

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King Charles Gives His First Speech in Australia, and Brings a Gift!

President of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin (right), watches as King Charles turns an hourglass he is presenting as a gift to mark the Bicentenary of the New South Wales Legislative Council, during an event marking the anniversary at New South Wales Parliament House, on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Aaron Chown/Pool via Getty

Aaron Chown/Pool via Getty

King Charles said it was “slightly worrying” to think that it was “nearly 60 years” since his first visit to Australia, he said in his first speech in Australia on Sunday, Oct. 20. Addressing a reception at Parliament House in Sydney to mark the legislature’s bicentenary year, the King gave an hourglass as a gift to mark the 200th anniversary of the New South Wales parliament.

“In the spirit of marking the passage of time, it is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the Parliament,” the King said. “It is in fact an hourglass — a speech timer — to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the Legislative Council’s next chapter."

“With the sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as sovereign, and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long," he added. “So, thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.”

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Crowds Line Up to Greet King Charles and Queen Camilla

King Charles meets members of the public after attending an event to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council at NSW Parliament House on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Arthur Edwards-Pool/Getty

Arthur Edwards-Pool/Getty

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The King and Queen Undertake Engagements in Canberra

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra Airport on Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia.Saeed Khan-Pool/Getty

Saeed Khan-Pool/Getty

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The King and Queen Observe an Indigenous Performance While in Canberra

Lukas Coch-Pool/Getty

10of 42King Charles and Queen Camilla Sign Visitors' Book in CanberraKing Charles and Queen Camilla sign a visitors' book as Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese (R) and his partner Jodie Haydon (L) look on in the Marble Foyer of Parliament House in Canberra on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.David Gray - Pool/GettyThe King and Queen attend a ceremonial welcome and Parliamentary reception at the Australian Parliament House on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra. One of many memorable moments from the tour occurred when an alpaca, dressed in a crown and suit with a golden bow tie, sneezed on the King as the animal was introduced to the monarch (and the KIng stroked his nose!). The alpaca, Hephner, who is 9 and famous for meeting celebrities, met Charles outside the Australian War Memorial.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla Sign Visitors' Book in Canberra

King Charles and Queen Camilla sign a visitors' book as Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese (R) and his partner Jodie Haydon (L) look on in the Marble Foyer of Parliament House in Canberra on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.David Gray - Pool/Getty

David Gray - Pool/Getty

The King and Queen attend a ceremonial welcome and Parliamentary reception at the Australian Parliament House on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra. One of many memorable moments from the tour occurred when an alpaca, dressed in a crown and suit with a golden bow tie, sneezed on the King as the animal was introduced to the monarch (and the KIng stroked his nose!). The alpaca, Hephner, who is 9 and famous for meeting celebrities, met Charles outside the Australian War Memorial.

11of 42The King and Queen Visit the Australian War MemorialKing Charles and Queen Camilla visit the Australian War Memorial on Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia.Ian Vogler-Pool/GettyWhile in Canberra, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Australian War Memorial on Monday, Oct. 21. While there, the couple laid a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

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The King and Queen Visit the Australian War Memorial

King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the Australian War Memorial on Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra, Australia.Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty

Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty

While in Canberra, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Australian War Memorial on Monday, Oct. 21. While there, the couple laid a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

12of 42King Charles Visits the National Bushfire Behaviour Research LaboratoryKing Charles observes the “Pyrotron” combustion wind tunnel during a visit to the CSIRO National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra on Oct. 21, 2024.TRACEY NEARMY/POOL/AFP via GettyDuring a visit to the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra, the King observed the “Pyrotron” combustion wind tunnel on Monday, Oct. 21. The “pyrotron” is a cutting-edge wind tunnel designed to replicate the deadly effects of Australian bushfires.

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King Charles Visits the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory

King Charles observes the “Pyrotron” combustion wind tunnel during a visit to the CSIRO National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra on Oct. 21, 2024.TRACEY NEARMY/POOL/AFP via Getty

TRACEY NEARMY/POOL/AFP via Getty

During a visit to the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra, the King observed the “Pyrotron” combustion wind tunnel on Monday, Oct. 21. The “pyrotron” is a cutting-edge wind tunnel designed to replicate the deadly effects of Australian bushfires.

13of 42Queen Camilla and King Charles at the Australian National Botanic GardensQueen Camilla and King Charles visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.Chris Jackson/GettyQueen Camilla loops her arm through King Charles' during a visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra. The couple, though they knew one another far longer, married in April 2005 and will celebrate 20 years of marriage next year.

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Queen Camilla and King Charles at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Queen Camilla and King Charles visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

Queen Camilla loops her arm through King Charles' during a visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra. The couple, though they knew one another far longer, married in April 2005 and will celebrate 20 years of marriage next year.

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Queen Camilla Attends a Discussion on Family and Domestic Violence in Canberra

Queen Camilla attends a discussion on family and domestic violence on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

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King Charles and Queen Camilla Man the Grill at a Community Barbeque in Sydney

King Charles and Queen Camilla cook sausages for the food stalls at the Premier’s Community Barbeque at Parramatta Park on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

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Amid His Own Cancer Diagnosis, King Charles Meets with Cancer Researchers

King Charles reacts while co-medical director Georgina Long (2L) looks on during a visit to the Melanoma Institute of Australia on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.David Gray-Pool/Getty

David Gray-Pool/Getty

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The King Dons a Hard Hat During a Busy Day in Sydney

King Charles wears a protective hat during a visit to the Homes NSW Cowper Street development on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Mark Baker-Pool/Getty

Mark Baker-Pool/Getty

18of 42Queen Camilla Promotes Literacy, a Cause She’s Long ChampionedQueen Camilla poses for a group photo with students, authors and representatives from the NSW Government during a visit to the Green Square Library on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/GettyQueen Camilla, an avid reader and champion of literacy, made a visit to the Green Square Library in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. After flying into Sydney on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and taking a rest day alongside husband King Charles on Saturday, Oct. 19, the couple’s schedule was full with engagements in Sydney on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Canberra on Monday, Oct. 21 and then again in Sydney on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Charles and Camilla are expected to arrive in Samoa, the second leg of their two-country Oceania tour.

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Queen Camilla Promotes Literacy, a Cause She’s Long Championed

Queen Camilla poses for a group photo with students, authors and representatives from the NSW Government during a visit to the Green Square Library on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

Queen Camilla, an avid reader and champion of literacy, made a visit to the Green Square Library in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. After flying into Sydney on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and taking a rest day alongside husband King Charles on Saturday, Oct. 19, the couple’s schedule was full with engagements in Sydney on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Canberra on Monday, Oct. 21 and then again in Sydney on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Charles and Camilla are expected to arrive in Samoa, the second leg of their two-country Oceania tour.

19of 42Crowds Greet King Charles Arriving for a Naval Fleet Review in SydneyKing Charles arrives to board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel during a Navy Fleet review on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Roni Bintang/GettyThe Union Jack flag is on display as crowds greet the King arriving to board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel during a naval fleet review on Tuesday, Oct. 22. While in Australia, the King launched a new charity initiative: The King’s Foundation Australia, which he announced during an engagement at Admiralty House in Sydney on Tuesday. The King’s Foundation Australia is an expansion of The King’s Foundation, first formed in the U.K. in 1990 when Charles was still Prince of Wales.

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Crowds Greet King Charles Arriving for a Naval Fleet Review in Sydney

King Charles arrives to board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel during a Navy Fleet review on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Roni Bintang/Getty

Roni Bintang/Getty

The Union Jack flag is on display as crowds greet the King arriving to board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel during a naval fleet review on Tuesday, Oct. 22. While in Australia, the King launched a new charity initiative: The King’s Foundation Australia, which he announced during an engagement at Admiralty House in Sydney on Tuesday. The King’s Foundation Australia is an expansion of The King’s Foundation, first formed in the U.K. in 1990 when Charles was still Prince of Wales.

20of 42Enthusiastic Well-Wishers Greet Queen Camilla in SydneyQueen Camilla greets spectators during a visit to the Sydney Opera House on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/GettyCrowds turned out en masse to greet King Charles and Queen Camilla in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. “Wow Sydney, what a turnout!” the Royal Familywrote on Instagram, adding a starry-eyed smiling emoji and heart hand emoji for full effect at how much the couple appreciated their warm welcome.

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Enthusiastic Well-Wishers Greet Queen Camilla in Sydney

Queen Camilla greets spectators during a visit to the Sydney Opera House on Oct. 22, 2024 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson/Getty

Crowds turned out en masse to greet King Charles and Queen Camilla in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. “Wow Sydney, what a turnout!” the Royal Familywrote on Instagram, adding a starry-eyed smiling emoji and heart hand emoji for full effect at how much the couple appreciated their warm welcome.

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King Charles Meets with Indigenous Leaders One Day After Lawmaker’s Protest

22of 42A View Fit for a King and QueenKing Charles and Queen Camilla pose for pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney on Oct. 22, 2024, as the Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.SAEED KHAN/POOL/AFP via GettyKing Charles and Queen Camilla pose in front of a backdrop fit for royalty on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Sydney. The couple posed for pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background ahead of their departure from Australia. They’re next headed for Samoa and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) there.

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A View Fit for a King and Queen

King Charles and Queen Camilla pose for pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney on Oct. 22, 2024, as the Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.SAEED KHAN/POOL/AFP via Getty

SAEED KHAN/POOL/AFP via Getty

King Charles and Queen Camilla pose in front of a backdrop fit for royalty on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Sydney. The couple posed for pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background ahead of their departure from Australia. They’re next headed for Samoa and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) there.

23of 42King Charles and Queen Camilla Depart Australia and Head to SamoaKing Charles and Queen Camilla wave as they depart from Sydney Airport in Sydney on Oct. 23, 2024, after a six-day royal visit to Sydney and Canberra.BIANCA DE MARCHI/POOL/AFP via GettyAfter a six-day Australia visit, the couple wave as they depart from Sydney Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 23. According toHello!, when the couple arrive in Samoa, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a Samoan chief and member of parliament, said he planned to offer the title “Tui Taumeasina” to the King during a traditional ceremonial welcome to Charles and Camilla on Thursday, Oct. 24 — which the outlet reports translates to “high chief.”

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King Charles and Queen Camilla Depart Australia and Head to Samoa

King Charles and Queen Camilla wave as they depart from Sydney Airport in Sydney on Oct. 23, 2024, after a six-day royal visit to Sydney and Canberra.BIANCA DE MARCHI/POOL/AFP via Getty

BIANCA DE MARCHI/POOL/AFP via Getty

After a six-day Australia visit, the couple wave as they depart from Sydney Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 23. According toHello!, when the couple arrive in Samoa, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a Samoan chief and member of parliament, said he planned to offer the title “Tui Taumeasina” to the King during a traditional ceremonial welcome to Charles and Camilla on Thursday, Oct. 24 — which the outlet reports translates to “high chief.”

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A Royal Greeting in Samoa

A band plays before the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla at Faleolo International Airport in Samoa to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Oct. 23, 2024 near Apia, Samoa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Ahead of arriving in Samoa, Charles and Camillaposted a personal messageon their social media, writing, “As we head towards Apia, we can’t wait to visit Samoa for the first time together and to experience the warmth of ancient traditions with your remarkable people. Feiloa’i ma le manuia! Charles R & Camilla R.”

The last few words in Samoan loosely translate as “Looking forward to meeting the Samoan people,“Hello!reported.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla during a Samoa Cultural Village visit on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Chris Jackson/Getty

King Charles and Queen Camilla match in white outfits and leis at Samoa Cultural Village on Thursday, Oct. 24. That same day, the King was made an honorary High Chief of Samoa and given the title of Paramount Chief of Taumeasina, and during a ceremony in the village of Moata’a, village chief Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai said the decision to honor the King in this manner was a sign of respect to the traditions of the village’s forefathers, according to theTimes.

“When you are given a title like this, it is a big honor,” he said. “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.”

“In the old days, we believed in the conferring of a title as a mark of respect to one another, and that is what we are doing today. When you confer such a title from the heart, we become bonded as one,” he added.

27of 42King Charles Takes Part in an Ava Ceremony in SamoaKing Charles and Queen Camilla during a Ava Ceremony in the Church Hall on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyThe couple take part in an Ava ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 24 in Samoa. The Ava drink, which is made from the root of a plant of the same name, is said to have soothing properties, according to theTimes. After being handed the drink in a coconut shell, Charles poured a small amount onto the ground, according to tradition, before taking a sip. “May God bless this Ava,” he said, adding, “la manuia,” which translates as “be prosperous.“According toThe Sun, the Ava ceremony is the highest protocol of respect in Samoan culture. Charles' mother,Queen Elizabeth, also took part in an Ava ceremony during her Silver Jubilee tour of the South Pacific in 1977.

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King Charles Takes Part in an Ava Ceremony in Samoa

King Charles and Queen Camilla during a Ava Ceremony in the Church Hall on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

The couple take part in an Ava ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 24 in Samoa. The Ava drink, which is made from the root of a plant of the same name, is said to have soothing properties, according to theTimes. After being handed the drink in a coconut shell, Charles poured a small amount onto the ground, according to tradition, before taking a sip. “May God bless this Ava,” he said, adding, “la manuia,” which translates as “be prosperous.”

According toThe Sun, the Ava ceremony is the highest protocol of respect in Samoan culture. Charles' mother,Queen Elizabeth, also took part in an Ava ceremony during her Silver Jubilee tour of the South Pacific in 1977.

28of 42Queen Camilla Enjoys Samoan Culture at a School VisitQueen Camilla visits Moata’a village’s aoga faifeau (pastor school/church school) to learn about the history and impact of these schools in villages on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Victoria Jones - Pool/GettyQueen Camilla made a visit to Moata’a villege’s aoga faifeau to learn about the history and impact of these schools on Thursday, Oct. 24. On the same day, the King and Queen visited a cultural village to see exhibitions of traditional crafts, including the sacred art of tattooing, theTimesreported. On Friday, Oct. 25, the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, where he is expected to address delegates during the day and then host an evening reception.

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Queen Camilla Enjoys Samoan Culture at a School Visit

Queen Camilla visits Moata’a village’s aoga faifeau (pastor school/church school) to learn about the history and impact of these schools in villages on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla made a visit to Moata’a villege’s aoga faifeau to learn about the history and impact of these schools on Thursday, Oct. 24. On the same day, the King and Queen visited a cultural village to see exhibitions of traditional crafts, including the sacred art of tattooing, theTimesreported. On Friday, Oct. 25, the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, where he is expected to address delegates during the day and then host an evening reception.

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Torrential Rain During the King and Queen’s Visit Considered “Fortuitous” and a Blessing

King Charles aisits O Le Pupu-Pue National Park, the nation’s oldest park, on Oct. 24, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty

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King Charles Makes Time to Laugh amid the Downpour

King Charles shares a joke with members of a cricket team during a visit to the Samoan Cultural Village in Apia, which celebrates the importance of traditional arts, crafts, culture, enterprise and sport in Samoa, on day five of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa.Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

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King Charles and Queen Camilla Arrive at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa on Friday, Oct. 25. As King, Charles is head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 nations globally.

In his speech Friday, his first as head of the Commonwealth, the King acknowledged that “the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” as leaders of countries linked to Britain raise the issue of reparations for slavery. Elsewhere in his speech, he urged leaders to find “creative ways” to conquer inequalities.

32of 42Queen Camilla Opens the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope in SamoaQueen Camilla holds a gift presented to her during a visit to the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Aaron Chown - Pool/GettyQueen Camilla is presented with a gift during a visit to the Samoa Victim Support Group on Friday, Oct. 25. At SVSG, the Queen opened the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope as the organization continues its mission to raise awareness and educate young people about tackling and preventing violence against women and girls. “Thank you for your amazing work,” theKing and Queen’s Instagram accountwrote.

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Queen Camilla Opens the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope in Samoa

Queen Camilla holds a gift presented to her during a visit to the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla is presented with a gift during a visit to the Samoa Victim Support Group on Friday, Oct. 25. At SVSG, the Queen opened the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope as the organization continues its mission to raise awareness and educate young people about tackling and preventing violence against women and girls. “Thank you for your amazing work,” theKing and Queen’s Instagram accountwrote.

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The King Raises a Glass to Open CHOGM 2024

The King raises a glass as CHOGM 2024 opens on Friday, Oct. 25 in Samoa. Charles addressed Commonwealth leaders at the event, which brings together leaders from 56 member countries every two years to discuss how they can work together to effect change. This year’s CHOGM is the first to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State, and its theme is “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth.”

34of 42King Charles Opens The King’s Garden in SamoaKing Charles visits The King’s Garden, in the grounds of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samo.Chris Jackson/GettyKing Charles officially opens The King’s Garden, located on the grounds of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, on Friday, Oct. 25. The King’s Garden includes species which have predominantly royal purple flowers and leaves, and the garden is planted in a shape designed to represent a crown.It also contains native king ferns, English roses and teuila (red ginger), the national flower of Samoa.

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King Charles Opens The King’s Garden in Samoa

King Charles visits The King’s Garden, in the grounds of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samo.Chris Jackson/Getty

King Charles officially opens The King’s Garden, located on the grounds of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, on Friday, Oct. 25. The King’s Garden includes species which have predominantly royal purple flowers and leaves, and the garden is planted in a shape designed to represent a crown.

It also contains native king ferns, English roses and teuila (red ginger), the national flower of Samoa.

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Queen Camilla Arrives at CHOGM

Queen Camilla arriving at the CHOGM reception and dinner on Friday, Oct. 25. Camilla has kept busy while in Samoa, attending an engagement at a school in Moata’a Village and delivering a keynote address in recognition of Commonwealth efforts to end gender-based violence.

“We know that abuse can be prevented and ultimately eliminated, but only if we work together until that task is completed,” she said in part. “That is our commitment — to each other, to the Commonwealth and to the generations to come.”

36of 42The King Poses Alongside New Heads of Government from Across the CommonwealthKing Charles poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception and Taumeasina Island Resort on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Chris Jackson/GettyThe King poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception on Friday, Oct. 25. The day provided the opportunity for the King to meet with a new community of leaders and welcome them to the Commonwealth family, according to the palace.CHOGM encourages Commonwealth leaders to work together to tackle the most pressing issues facing the world, like climate change, creating opportunities for young people and fostering inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all.

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The King Poses Alongside New Heads of Government from Across the Commonwealth

King Charles poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception and Taumeasina Island Resort on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Chris Jackson/Getty

The King poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception on Friday, Oct. 25. The day provided the opportunity for the King to meet with a new community of leaders and welcome them to the Commonwealth family, according to the palace.

CHOGM encourages Commonwealth leaders to work together to tackle the most pressing issues facing the world, like climate change, creating opportunities for young people and fostering inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all.

37of 42King Charles Addresses Leaders as CHOGM 2024 OpensKing Charles speaks during the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler-Pool/GettyThe King delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of CHOGM 2024 on Friday, Oct. 25.“Our cohesion requires we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” theDaily Telegraphreported.“It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history — to guide us to make the right choices in the future,” he added.

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King Charles Addresses Leaders as CHOGM 2024 Opens

King Charles speaks during the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty

The King delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of CHOGM 2024 on Friday, Oct. 25.

“Our cohesion requires we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” theDaily Telegraphreported.

“It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history — to guide us to make the right choices in the future,” he added.

38of 42King Charles Takes in a Performance at the Opening of CHOGM 2024King Charles opens the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler-Pool/GettyThe opening day of CHOGM was filled with the culture of Samoa, where the meeting is being held in 2024. In his speech on Friday, Oct. 25, the King gave remarks to the leaders present as his wife, Queen Camilla, watched from the front row.“None of us can change the past. But we can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure,” Charles said in part.“Where inequalities exist, for example, in access to opportunity; to education; to skills training; to employment; to health; and to a planet in whose climate our human race can both survive and thrive, we must find the right ways, and the right language, to address them,” he continued.

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King Charles Takes in a Performance at the Opening of CHOGM 2024

King Charles opens the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Oct. 25, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler-Pool/Getty

The opening day of CHOGM was filled with the culture of Samoa, where the meeting is being held in 2024. In his speech on Friday, Oct. 25, the King gave remarks to the leaders present as his wife, Queen Camilla, watched from the front row.

“None of us can change the past. But we can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure,” Charles said in part.

“Where inequalities exist, for example, in access to opportunity; to education; to skills training; to employment; to health; and to a planet in whose climate our human race can both survive and thrive, we must find the right ways, and the right language, to address them,” he continued.

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King Charles Gets Animated at the CHOGM Reception and Dinner

The King reacts as he attends the CHOGM reception and dinner on Friday, Oct. 25. Friday marked one week since Charles and Camilla touched down in a downpour in Sydney, Australia that evening; the King and Queen will conclude their royal tour of Australia and Samoa on Saturday, Oct. 26, and will return home to the U.K. after the first visit to a Commonwealth realm of Charles' reign and the first tour of this nature since the King announced in February he had been diagnosed with cancer.

40of 42King Charles Braves the Rain (Again!) as He Says Farewell to SamoaKing Charles attends a farewell ceremony on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa at the Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Aaron Chown - Pool/GettyRain has been a consistent theme throughout King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour of Australia and Samoa — they arrived in a downpour in Australia on Friday, Oct. 18 and left with rain in Samoa on Saturday, Oct. 26. The King clutched an umbrella many days of the tour, including at the tour’s farewell ceremony at the Siumu Village on Saturday, Oct. 26.Charles gave a speech at the ceremony and was given the chiefly title of To’aiga-o-Tumua; the King and Queen also took in a short performance before heading off to a long stretch of travel on their way back to the United Kingdom.

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King Charles Braves the Rain (Again!) as He Says Farewell to Samoa

King Charles attends a farewell ceremony on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa at the Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty

Rain has been a consistent theme throughout King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour of Australia and Samoa — they arrived in a downpour in Australia on Friday, Oct. 18 and left with rain in Samoa on Saturday, Oct. 26. The King clutched an umbrella many days of the tour, including at the tour’s farewell ceremony at the Siumu Village on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Charles gave a speech at the ceremony and was given the chiefly title of To’aiga-o-Tumua; the King and Queen also took in a short performance before heading off to a long stretch of travel on their way back to the United Kingdom.

41of 42Queen Camilla Fans Herself — and Bursts Into Laughter! — at the Tour’s Farewell CeremonyQueen Camilla attends a farewell ceremony on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa at the Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler - Pool/GettyQueen Camilla fanned herself and was given a garland at the farewell ceremony to the tour on Saturday, Oct. 26. According to theDaily Mail, at one point the Queen “hid her face with her fan and she began to cry with laughter, particularly at members of the media trying to shelter from the deluge.“At one point during the farewell ceremony, the village chief told King Charles, “Your Papa Prince Philip was here, so were your brothers. So thank you for making the time. Your royal visit has lifted our house.”

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Queen Camilla Fans Herself — and Bursts Into Laughter! — at the Tour’s Farewell Ceremony

Queen Camilla attends a farewell ceremony on the final day of the royal visit to Australia and Samoa at the Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samoa.Ian Vogler - Pool/Getty

Ian Vogler - Pool/Getty

Queen Camilla fanned herself and was given a garland at the farewell ceremony to the tour on Saturday, Oct. 26. According to theDaily Mail, at one point the Queen “hid her face with her fan and she began to cry with laughter, particularly at members of the media trying to shelter from the deluge.”

At one point during the farewell ceremony, the village chief told King Charles, “Your Papa Prince Philip was here, so were your brothers. So thank you for making the time. Your royal visit has lifted our house.”

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King Charles and Queen Camilla wave as they board The Royal Australian Air Force jet via Faleolo International Airport following their visit to a Farewell Ceremony at Siumu Village on Oct. 26, 2024 in Apia, Samo.Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty

“I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you,” King Charles said in an impromptu speech at the farewell ceremony.

“We shall take away with us, I promise you, very special memories of our time here. We thank you for our wonderful gifts,” he added.

source: people.com