King Charles delivers Tok Pisin segment in PNG independence anniversary speech
Monarch’s multilingual salute to Papua New Guinea’s 50th independence anniversary draws praise from royal watchers
King Charles delivered part of his Independence Day message in Tok Pisin, the official language of Papua New Guinea, to mark the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. In a video message addressed to PNG citizens, the monarch opened with Tok Pisin before continuing in English, emphasizing the themes of unity and shared progress. He reflected on Papua New Guinea’s journey since independence, noting the nation’s achievements and the importance of looking to the future as an independent, democratic state.
The video was played at a ceremony at Sir John Guise Stadium, where the Duke of Edinburgh was in attendance. Tok Pisin, also known as New Guinea Pidgin, is the language most widely used in Papua New Guinea and derives from English.
Royal watchers and fans quickly praised the gesture, with observers calling the Tok Pisin segment brilliant and applauding the King’s language skills. Several comments noted the unusual but warmly received display of linguistic effort and said the sequence underscored the ties between the royal family and Papua New Guinea.
Charles is fluent in English and French and has studied a variety of other languages, including German, Welsh, Greek, Scottish Gaelic, Italian and Arabic. He has engaged in full conversations in French with President Emmanuel Macron and has spoken in French for extended periods on public occasions. His language curiosity extends beyond Europe and the Pacific and has shaped his public duties over decades.
His Welsh language education traces back to university days in 1969, when he completed a nine-week course at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. He has delivered speeches in Welsh on multiple occasions and has described ongoing study as part of his broader interest in languages.
In 2013, he revealed that he had been learning Arabic for six months but admitted the language proved challenging. The remark came during the launch of the Qatar-UK Alumni Network, when a question about his language journey prompted a light-hearted acknowledgment of the difficulties.
German language skills run in the family, and the King’s proficiency in German has been noted as part of a broader linguistic affinity. His father, Prince Philip, was of German heritage and spoke the language fluently. Charles is also credited with addressing the Bundestag in Berlin, delivering a substantial portion of a speech in German.
The Papua New Guinea 50th Independence Anniversary celebration has highlighted PNG’s enduring ties to the British royal family and to Commonwealth nations, as the country marks five decades since joining the ranks of independent, democratic states.