Meeting King Charles III inspires Tuiketei’s PhD journey

Meeting global leaders, including British monarchs King Charles III and Queen Camilla, has become a defining moment for Fiji National University PhD student Ana Tuiketei, strengthening her focus on research for Small Island Developing States.

Ms Tuiketei, a recipient of the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme PhD Award, met the British monarchs during Commonwealth Week in London last month.

An international arbitrator, she said the experience of engaging with global leaders and scholars had significantly inspired her academic journey.

She attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, where the theme focused on empowering communities across member nations.

“For me the reflections by four women speakers (including former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell) was powerful as they had a common message of hope, more equitable access and collaboration within the Commonwealth,” she said.

“To meet His Majesty King Charles III for the first time and to be introduced as a Kings Fellow to His Majesty was a proud moment for me, because he was not only encouraging in my PhD pursuit, he was curious in how my research would impact SIDS & the Commonwealth as a whole; and how it supports long-term sustainable development. I also had the honour of meeting Her Majesty Queen Camilla and I sensed both their appreciation for SIDs countries. We all met in London and together we attended various events with such excitement.”

During her visit, Ms Tuiketei also took part in discussions focused on climate resilience and development challenges facing Small Island Developing States.

“My colleagues and I addressed practical solutions for both decision makers and academics within SIDS to address the specific SIDS climate challenges including, inequality, environmental resilience and financial sustainability whilst promoting climate resilience,” she said.

She attended a reception at the Royal Society, where she connected with researchers and partners involved in the fellowship programme.

“The reception allowed us to network with supporters, finders, KCFP partners, and researchers to also explore other practical collaborative opportunities to build and grow the programme. It was also an honour to have a tour at the Royal Society, the world’s oldest independent scientific institution, founded in 1660. I had goosebumps opening the Charter Book and seeing the handwritten signatures from 1665 featuring fellows like Newtown, Darwin, Queen Victoria and others that made a difference in science globally,” she said.

Ms Tuiketei is undertaking her PhD in collaboration with SOAS University of London and used the visit to meet with her academic supervisors.

“I visited Prof. Tom in Brighton, and we were able to connect, meet regarding my PhD research, explore the vibrant seaside city, and plan for 2026. I am so blessed to have great supervisors for my research,” she said.

She also presented at the Palace of Westminster and participated in a roundtable on climate resilience collaboration.

Reflecting on her experience, she said it left her motivated to contribute to Fiji and the region.

“I am grateful through ACU supporting our research, as we from SIDS can give value to a defenceless system; we are able to use the torch of education & mobility to shed a light into needed research; we are empowered to answer the call of ‘Leaving No one Behind’ by addressing climate change inequities. That includes our future generations. I come back home to Fiji more inspired than when I left.”