King Charles delivers Tok Pisin portion of PNG independence speech, drawing praise from royal watchers

King Charles delivered part of his Independence Day message for Papua New Guinea in Tok Pisin, the nation’s official language, to mark PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence. The monarch’s remarks were issued in a video and played during a ceremony at Sir John Guise Stadium, where the Duke of Edinburgh was in attendance.

In the Tok Pisin segment, Charles said in part: “On this day of joyful celebration, I recall with fond nostalgia the moment when the flag of PNG was raised high on Independence Hill 50 years ago. I was there,” and he continued: “Today, as you mark this important milestone, we can look back with admiration at the achievements and progress of the past five decades as an independent, democratic state.” The message was well received by attendees and viewers, who applauded the effort to reach PNG audiences in their own language.

Tok Pisin, also known as New Guinea Pidgin, is the most widely used language in the Pacific nation and is derived from English. Charles's use of Tok Pisin was seen as a gesture of cultural respect for PNG’s history and identity.

Beyond Papua New Guinea, Charles is known for his linguistic curiosity. He speaks fluent English and French and has learned a range of other languages, including German, Welsh, Greek, Scottish Gaelic, Italian and Arabic. He has conducted full conversations in French with President Emmanuel Macron and delivered a roughly 26-minute address in German when he spoke to a Canadian audience on Canada Day in 2017. His German skills reflect his family’s heritage: his father, Prince Philip, was of German descent and spoke the language fluently.

His Welsh language studies date to his university days in 1969, when he completed a nine-week course at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth and has since used Welsh in public settings. In interviews, Charles has also described attempts to learn Arabic, noting progress but acknowledging it remains challenging. A royal aide said he remains deeply interested in language and the region, and continues to pursue lessons.

PNG’s 50th Independence Day celebration and the King’s video message illustrate the continuing reach of the British royal family across the Commonwealth and other nations, with language as a bridge to diverse audiences. The events reflect a broader pattern of multilingual public diplomacy by the monarchy, which has included speeches and gestures in multiple languages over the years.