King Charles shows off Samoan dance moves in rare palace display
Tuilagi, clad in traditional Samoan dress, invited the King to boogie
PA
King Charles has been spotted showing off his Samoan dance moves at a glitzy Commonwealth reception at St James's Palace.
The King, as he hob-nobbed with leaders and representatives from the 56-member bloc, was drawn into a dance by ex-rugby pro Freddie Tuilagi.
Tuilagi, clad in traditional Samoan dress, invited the King to boogie in the middle of the reception ahead of the latter's round-the-world trip to the South Pacific later this year.
Footage from the rare moment showed attendees cheering the dancing duo on before breaking into song - with the former rugby star showing the King how it was done.
Attendees cheered the dancing duo on before breaking into song
PA
Tuilagi, the eldest of the English-Samoan rugby-playing dynasty, held out his arms across his chest and fluttered them at the King - before Charles promptly joined in.
The 53-year-old ex-pro - an honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission - also gave the head of the Commonwealth a ceremonial fly swat, which was hung over his shoulder.
Tuilagi said after the performance: "I told the King I'm going to dance for you... When you go to Samoa, this is how they will dance."
Speaking of the King's reaction, he added: "He said he loved it... he had good moves!"
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Tuilagi gave the head of the Commonwealth a ceremonial fly swat
PA
Tuilagi, pictured in his playing days, was at the reception as an honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission
PA
This is the King's second southern hemispheric rugby run-in in a matter of weeks - in mid-September, Charles found himself in the middle of a scrum when he accepted a hug from a number of New Zealand's women's team.
Back then, he was seen laughing as he was affectionately mobbed by the Black Ferns, who were in the UK to play England’s Red Roses.
The rugby stars approached the King with a nervous request for a team huddle - but he jubilantly replied: "Hug? Why not!"
Charles later made the squad laugh during an impromptu speech, when he said: "I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you," adding that it was "very healing".
In mid-September, Charles found himself in the middle of a scrum
PALast night's meeting had seen Charles, Queen Camilla and a spate of other royals meet high commissioners and representatives from various organisations associated with the Commonwealth.
It comes ahead of King and Queen's landmark round-the-world trip to Australia and Samoa later this month, where, in the latter, they're set to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Tuilagi's draping of the King with traditional Samoan garb comes after Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa urged all delegates, including the King, to forgo formal suits in favour of more comfortable attire due to the island's sweltering October weather.
In a video message, she reiterated her plea for casual attire, saying: "Can I tell you it's warm in October, so please don't wear your suits in your packing... We look forward to welcoming you in true island style!"
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