Queen Camilla has joked about King Charles’s gruelling work ethic, something that he has long been known for.
The 76-year-old attended the CHOGM Women’s Forum side-event at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel earlier today in Apia, Samoa. The couple flew into the country on Wednesday after a few days in Australia.
During her visit, the Queen spoke of her husband and noted he is often still working after she has fallen asleep.
“I was delighted recently to come across the wonderful Samoan proverb: E au le Inailau a Tama’ita’i,” she told an audience, which included the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland and the Prime Minister of Samoa.
“With apologies to the men in the room, I thought we might make this our motto today.
“According to a legend, a competition was once held between men and women in a village to thatch the roof of the house of Chief Tautunu.
“Although they started at the same time, the women finished their side first, as they had laboured through the night, while the men slept.
“As one whose husband is often toiling into the small hours, long after my head is on the pillow, I should stress there are plenty of exceptions!
“But the moral of the proverb is: Women will turn their hands successfully to any task that must be done; and will work hard until it is completed.”
The Queen has repeatedly seemingly voiced her concern for her husband’s unrelenting work ethic as he continues to undergo cancer treatment.
On an engagement back in June, just four months after the King revealed his cancer diagnosis, the Queen joked that Charles was “doing fine” but “won’t slow down and won’t do what he’s told”.
Despite his diagnosis, the King has continued with a stream of engagements – even interrupting his summer break in Balmoral to express his support for those affected by the Southport knife attack.
During his visit to Australia and Samoa, the monarch has paused his cancer treatment. He will resume treatment once they arrive back in the UK.
The couple received a full ceremonial welcome as they touched down in Samoa on Wednesday evening, with them being greeted by a red carpet and a guard of honour.
Looking refreshed after a six-hour flight from Sydney, the King and Queen waved as they stepped out of their plane at Faleolo International Airport.
As the couple were en route to Samoa, a post – which was shared on the Royal Family’s official social media accounts – stated that they were excited to spend four days in Samoa.
The post read: “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!”