King Charles warmly embraced members of New Zealand’s women’s rugby team, the Black Ferns, during a memorable visit shared by the team on social media. In a break from royal protocol, New Zealand winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga asked the King if he would be open to giving hugs to the team, to which he immediately agreed.
“We all wanted a hug, but only if it’s okay with you,” Leti-I’iga asked respectfully.
King Charles, without hesitation, responded, “A hug? Why not?”
The Black Ferns are currently in the UK to face England’s Red Roses on Saturday at Twickenham. In honor of the visiting team, Buckingham Palace hosted the New Zealand women’s rugby union players ahead of the anticipated match.
In other news, the Royal Family has announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla will embark on an official tour to Australia and Samoa from October 18 to 26, 2024. According to a statement from Buckingham Palace, their itinerary will include a state visit to Samoa and participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
“Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake an Autumn Tour from Friday 18th to Saturday 26th October 2024. This will include a Royal Visit to Australia, a State Visit to the Independent State of Samoa, and attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024,” the Royal Family announced.
This tour marks King Charles’ first visit to Australia as monarch and his inaugural attendance at CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. The statement noted that the King and Queen’s engagements will focus on celebrating the best of Australia and Samoa while highlighting causes important to them both.
