King Charles was given a brutal eight-word introduction to a traditional Samoan practice during his and Queen Camilla’s visit to the island.
Following their tour of Australia, the monarchs headed to Samoa for a day of welcoming ceremonies, one of which involved traditional tattooing.
Tattooist John Lemisio introduced the king to the practice, where he saw a woman grimacing in pain on the floor as she received the ink.
John admitted that the sacred art, known as Tatu, is “very, very painful” something that King Charles thought required a drink, but the artist insisted no pain medication is used.
The King asked if the pain lasts very long, to which John replied: “It is a lifetime of pain.” He then dealt the monarch a hilarious eight-word quip: “Welcome to the house of pain, Your Majesty.”
Each tattoo design is meaningful and personal to each individual depending on their stories, history, and social status.
They can only be done by Samoan tattoo artists with knowledge of the skill and culture.
The display for Charles and Camilla came during their tour of a “cultural village”, organised by the Samoa Tourism Authority to bring together young people from nearby villages.
Deputy Prime Minister Afiosa Tuala Ponifasio said: “Words cannot express how honoured we are and how appreciative we are for you being amongst our midst. We are very grateful, Your Majesties.”
Afterwards, the royal couple were shown a traditional war dance and invited to meet the national rugby and cricket teams.
Beauty Queen Litara Leremia-Allan, Miss Samoa 2024, greeted Queen Camilla. She said: “Samoan Queens have strength and resilience are the glue that holds our community together.
“A Samoan Queen and British Queen is a meeting of two different understandings and an intersection of cultures and I’m honoured to present this side.”
