King Charles III made a subtle yet notable fashion statement during his visit to Samoa, where he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, by wearing a tie adorned with Greek flags.
This isn’t the first time the British monarch has chosen this design, as it’s a favorite that he has returned to on multiple occasions.
Following a somewhat controversial visit to Australia, which included a confrontation with an Indigenous lawmaker in the Canberra Parliament, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, departed the country and landed in Samoa.
His Majesty, King Charles III, arrived in Apia, #Samoa, to a warm welcome for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) October 23, 2024
It marks the first time His Majesty will attend CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth.
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?: @samoachogm2024#CHOGM2024 pic.twitter.com/Smal4gJKav
Upon their arrival at Faleolo International Airport, the royal couple was greeted on a red carpet by the country’s Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. Earlier, they had expressed their excitement on social media about experiencing Samoa’s rich culture and traditions.
Charles’ outfit choice at the airport showcased his deep affinity for Greece, as he donned a tie featuring the Greek flag—a nod to his connection with the country through his ancestry. The king’s paternal family, including his father, Prince Philip, has strong Greek ties. This tie with Greek motifs is part of his personal collection, and he has been seen wearing it on several occasions in the past.
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— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 23, 2024
The King and Queen have met Prime Minister Fiame of Samoa upon their arrival in the country.
I le taunu’u manuia ai o le lātō i le ea, i le faigāmalaga mamalu a Lana Afioga i le Tupu o Peretania Tele ma Lana Masiofo i Samoa, o le afioga i le Palemia o Samoa iā Fiame… pic.twitter.com/oKOtXvmx2h
In fact, just last year, Charles wore a similar tie during his trip to Kenya in October, as well as in meetings with the South Korean President in November, and during his encounter with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the UN COP28 summit in December.
British media speculated that the Greek tie might have been a subtle, non-verbal message in support of Greece in the ongoing discussions about the Parthenon Marbles, and a possible critique of the UK government’s stance on the issue.
The Greek-themed tie has become something of a trademark for the king, underlining his personal and historical connection to the country.
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