COURT CIRCULAR

Upolu, Samoa

The King and Queen this morning drove to the National University of Samoa, Apia, Upolu, Samoa, and were received by The Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa and Masiofo Fa’amausili Leinafo.

Their Majesties attended an ‘Ava Ceremony at the National University of Samoa.

Afterwards, The King, escorted by the Vice-Chancellor and President of the National University of Samoa (Professor Tufuisa’a Dr Patila Amosa) and the Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (Professor Colin Riordan), walked to the University’s Old Foundations Courtyard and attended the launch of The King’s Commonwealth Fellowships.

The King and Queen this afternoon visited Moata’a Village and were received at Moata’a Village Church Hall by the Paramount Chief of Moata’a Village (Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai).

His Majesty was bestowed with a High Chief title (Tui-Taumeasina).

The King, accompanied by the Paramount Chief, visited Moata’a Village Mangroves Restoration Walk and was received by the Hon Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster (Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment).

His Majesty afterwards visited The Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa at the Residence of The Head of State in Apia.

The King and Queen later visited the Samoa Cultural Village and viewed demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts and met members of the local community.

The King subsequently attended a Commonwealth Heads of Government Business Forum at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel, Main Beach Road, Apia, and was received by the Co-Chairman of His Majesty’s Sustainable Markets Initiative (Mr Brian Moynihan).

The King later visited O Le Pupu’Pue National Park and, having been received by the Falealili Village Chief (Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale), met local villagers and representatives from community groups, conservationists and park rangers.

The Queen this afternoon met pupils and teachers from Moata’a Village’s pastor school (aoga faifeau).

Her Majesty afterwards attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Women’s Forum High Level Side Event, Advocating for Women and Girls, at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, and was received by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Commonwealth Secretary-General).

By command of The King, Mr Alistair Harrison (Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps) called upon His Excellency Mr Hajime Hayashi at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1, this morning in order to bid farewell to His Excellency upon relinquishing his appointment as Ambassador from Japan to the Court of St James’s.

St James’s Palace

The Princess Royal this morning re-opened the Rowan Glen Factory at Palnure, near Newton Stewart, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Wigtownshire (Mrs Aileen Brewis).

Her Royal Highness, Patron, Royal College of Occupational Therapists, this afternoon opened the new wing at West Cumberland Hospital, Homewood Road, Hensingham, Whitehaven, and was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria (Mr Alexander Scott).

The Princess Royal, Patron, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, this evening attended the Trafalgar Night Dinner at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10, and was received by Mr Matthew Burrow (Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London).

Kensington Palace

The Duke of Kent, Freeman, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, this evening attended the Trophies and Awards Banquet at Guildhall, 71 Basinghall Street, London EC2.