Royal Visit: King Charles' Historic Samoa Tour as Climate Champion

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Samoa to be honored as 'high chief' and attend the Commonwealth summit. The visit highlights climate change's impact on Pacific islands. The leaders will discuss ocean protection and other pressing regional issues, including rising sea levels affecting small nations.

King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Samoa Wednesday, where the monarch will be bestowed with the prestigious title of high chief during their visit. This marks a significant occasion, coinciding with the annual Commonwealth leaders' summit and their six-day Australian tour.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa extended a warm welcome on the runway, amidst dignitaries and a rendition of 'God Save the King.' Charles inspected a guard of honor by the Samoan police and met with the prime minister, underscoring his role as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth.

As discussions at the summit focus on climate change and the ocean's protection, it is noteworthy that coastal erosion due to rising sea levels remains a pressing challenge for many island nations in the Pacific. The event follows Charles' recent accusations of colonial-era atrocities by an Australian senator during his inaugural foreign tour as a sovereign.

(With inputs from agencies.)