Queen Camilla was visibly emotional as King Charles spoke about his battle with cancer during their visit to a village in Samoa on Saturday, according to Marie Claire.
As the king reflected on mortality, he expressed his deep appreciation for the region, saying, “I will always cherish this part of the world and hope to return one day,” adding that they would take “very special memories” from their time there.
The visit culminated in a traditional Ava ceremony in Siumu, where King Charles received the honorific title of To’aiga-o-Tumua. He appeared genuinely touched by the warm welcome he received throughout the trip.
While some reports noted that Queen Camilla laughed to the point of tears during the ceremony, both the king and queen shared poignant moments as they prepared to leave.
During the farewell ceremony, the village chief thanked King Charles, reminiscing about past royal visits, including those from his father, Prince Philip, and his brothers. He expressed gratitude for the king’s visit, stating, “Your royal visit has uplifted our community.”
In February, King Charles disclosed his cancer diagnosis, but recent updates suggest that “his treatment is progressing positively.” Despite undergoing treatment, the king has continued his royal engagements, accompanied by medical staff during his tours in Australia and Samoa.
At the farewell event, King Charles commented on the stunning decorations adorning the roads, saying, “We have been so moved by the beautiful way in which all the villages have adorned the streets; it truly reflects something special about Samoa.”
Reports from the Daily Mail indicate that the royal tour has been a “resounding success,” viewed by Buckingham Palace as a significant test of the king’s reign that exceeded expectations.
