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Charles made high chief during visit to Vanuatu

In the tradition of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Charles took part in a series of rituals.

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The Prince of Wales with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, President of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs (Steve Parsons/PA)

Prince Charles might not have the god-like status of his father Prince Philip on Vanuatu, but he was given an honour all of his own on a visit to the island.

Donning a grass skirt and a white garland, the heir to the throne was made a high chief in a colourful ceremony on Saturday.

The prince also took a sip from a cup of special kava, known as Royal Kava, before planting two trees.

Charles received a warm welcome (Steve Parsons/PA)
Charles received a warm welcome (Steve Parsons/PA)

Delighting the crowds – who had turned out in their thousands – with the traditional greeting of “Halo yufala euriwan”, meaning “hello everybody”, he said: “My visit, while far too brief, has nevertheless allowed me to experience for myself the warmth, generosity and spirit for which the people of Vanuatu are so justly famed.”

He added: “Vanuatu, you are number one!”

Charles is given a grass skirt to wear prior to receiving a chiefly title during a visit to the Chiefs' Nakamal, as he visits the South Pacific island of Vanuatu during his tour of the region (Steve Parsons/PA)
Charles is given a grass skirt to wear prior to receiving a chiefly title during a visit to the Chiefs’ Nakamal, as he visits the South Pacific island of Vanuatu during his tour of the region (Steve Parsons/PA)

The Prince Philip Movement believes the Queen’s husband is the man from one of their legends.

Charles warmly shook Mr Joseph’s hand as he was presented with a gift.

The Prince of Wales greets well-wishers during a visit to Haos blong Handikraf (Steve Parsons/PA)
The Prince of Wales greets well-wishers during a visit to Haos blong Handikraf (Steve Parsons/PA)

“I told him a lot of people in the movement have now died but there are some still living.

“The prince said he would deliver the message personally.”

Earlier, Charles had received a welcome befitting for an heir to the throne as he landed on the island at Port Vila.

Greeted by the locals in traditional dress and with painted faces, the prince smiled and waved as he walked across red ceremonial mats – one of the most deeply respected aspects of Vanuatu’s traditions.

The Prince of Wales inspects a Guard of Honour (Steve Parsons/PA)
The Prince of Wales inspects a Guard of Honour (Steve Parsons/PA)

“They make such wonderful gifts, don’t they,” he said, as he snapped them up for 6000 vatu.

Charles spent a while strolling through the Haos blong Handikraf market, admiring locally made products such as paintings, wooden sculptures and woven baskets.

Charles was joined by Australian Minster for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (Steve Parsons/PA)
Charles was joined by Australian Minster for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop (Steve Parsons/PA)

“We’ve only ever seen him in magazines, so to see him in real life makes me so happy,” she said.

Charles also visited Port Vila Central Hospital, which suffered extensive damage when tropical cyclone Pam hit in 2015, and praised the “fantastic” recovery effort funded by the Australian government, including the refurbishment of operating theatres and the laboratory.

The day trip to the South Pacific island came on the fourth day of his week-long tour of Australia, the first three days of which he was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall.

He will now fly on to Cairns before finishing his trip in Darwin.

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