King Charles ditches the suit for garland at Samoa 'ava welcome ceremony

ditched the suit and tie for a relaxed island life outfit as he was welcomed to Samoa.

Charles and were officially welcomed to the Pacific island nation with a royal ‘ava ceremony, which saw them wear ceremonial garlands and drink an Ava drink from a coconut shell.

Wearing a Bush jacket with trim by Samoan school of fine art, Charles looked cool in the humid heat. The country's prime minister urged those coming to the island for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) to forgo business suits and dress appropriate for island life. Hosted by the Samoan Head of State and his village, the ‘ava ceremony is a special ceremony reserved only for monarchs.

It was originally planned to be held in the open but due to the torrential downpours earlier that morning it was moved inside. Charles, 75, and , 77, were received by The Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Le Afioga ia Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and Ceremonial Attendants from Falelatai Village upon their arrival at the National University of Samoa.

The Queen, in a tunic and Palazzo trousers by Anna Valentine accessorised with gold fish earrings, kept herself cool by using a handheld fan with her cypher on.

Men, known locally as taulele’a, from Falelatai village commenced the ceremony by blowing conch shells to signal Their Majesties' arrival and formed a ceremonial guard of honour.

The King and Queen then made their way to their seats on stage, accompanied by the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa and his wife, Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo.

Two men in traditional dress acted as ceremonial attendants, and one opened the proceedings welcoming the King and Queen. He said: “The royal and traditional ‘Ava ceremony, the highest protocol of respect in the Samoan culture in honour of Your Majesties’ state visit to Samoa. A symbol of friendship, safe passage and journey and the collective spirit of commonwealth as one family. Thank you and God bless.”

A short symbolic debate amongst the orators (‘talking chiefs’ or tulafale) then began to decide who would lead the welcome oration. Large ‘ava roots were symbolically presented to the centre marquee

For centuries, ‘ava - known in other Pacific countries as kava - has played a vital role in the rituals and celebrations of Pacific islanders. It is not just a beverage, but a symbol of community unity and connection.

The youngest daughter of the Chief, Maria Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, 30, then began to prepare the ‘ava drink, which is made from dried and powdered ‘ava root is used.

She has tattoos running from her thighs to her knees, which is considered a symbol of seniority. Maria prepared the drink in a shallow bowl known as a tanoa, which is made from the wood of the ifilele tree, and carefully pounded the root into a fine powder before being mixed with water.

Four attendants - known as ‘ava makers or aumaga - ‘assisted with the filtering of the ‘ava drink through a sieve made of the dried bark of the Fau tree.

It is a great honour to be selected to serve as an aumaga. Whilst the beverage is being prepared the ‘ava orator (tufu’ava) explained the reason for the ceremony and announced when the ‘ava is about to be distributed.

In response, all those present began to slowly clap. The server will then called out the names of the guests to be served, in order of precedence.

As a sign of respect, the server will carry the cup to the guests and present it with a sweep of the arm from right to left, to show the inner side of the forearm to the guest.

The ‘Ava drink was presented to the King in a coconut shell, accepting it he tipped a small onto the ground, saying, “May God Bless this ‘ava” and “la manuia”, which means “be prosperous”, before taking a sip.

The ‘ava drink was similarly presented to the Head of State and Prime Minister of Samoa. Two women then bowed before presenting Their Majesties with ceremonial garlands, known as lei.

The King’s was made of the dried fruit from the pandanus tree and The Queen’s was a beautiful floral garland. Traditional gifts, known collectively as the sua faatamalii, were presented to the villagers on behalf of the King and Queen, in a sign that the ceremony had come to an end.

A butchered pig was also presented but that will be gifted back to the village. ‘Ava ceremonies take place on important occasions in Samoa, such as the bestowal of a chiefly title, the welcoming and bidding farewell of guests and visitors, or at significant gatherings and meetings.

Traditional embellishments to the ceremony are added for special guests of honour, with the one held today known as the ‘ava faatupu’ – an ‘ava ceremony for a King. Upon departure, Their Majesties will also briefly meet selected village Chiefs and villagers involved in the ceremony.