Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has officially invited King Charles III of the United Kingdom to visit the Maldives during his next trip. The invitation was extended during a meeting between the Vice President and the monarch at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2024) in Samoa.

In a post on X, Vice President Latheef expressed his honor in meeting King Charles, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between the Maldives and the UK. Following this initial invitation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also formally extended the request for the King to visit the Maldives.

The last time a British monarch visited the Maldives was 52 years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II made a historic trip in 1972. This forthcoming visit would mark a significant occasion for both nations.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which took place on October 25-26, 2024, serves as a platform for leaders of Commonwealth countries to discuss shared goals and strengthen their cooperation. King Charles III currently serves as the Head of the Commonwealth, a position he assumed after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who held the role for over 70 years.