Samoa is awash in a sea of flags this week, as world leaders representing a third of the world's population descend on the island nation.
The country is the first South Pacific Island to host the biannual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Delegations from all 56 Commonwealth members, including New Zealand, are in attendance.
The red carpet was rolled out as King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived. The visit is Charles' first as king and head of the Commonwealth.
Locals lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the British royals during their three-day visit.
"It's a great opportunity for us to show the world who we are and what we are as people," paramount chief of Siumu Ataona Tusi Fafetai told 1News.
The King's first day began with an 'ava ceremony – the highest protocol of respect. The visit wasn't purely ceremonial, however, as Charles visited a mangrove reserve to highlight the impact of climate change and rising sea levels on Pacific Island nations.
"The king tide today is about twice that it was 20, 30 years ago, and that is affecting our land," Samoan chief and MP Lenatai Victor Tamapua explained.
"People are needing to move inwards, inland now.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is also concerned about the environment – including any immediate fallout following the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month.
Luxon visited Kiwi personnel taking part in the clean-up effort.
"I'm here because I want to recognise the individuals from New Zealand's NZDF but also from Maritime New Zealand that have been working incredibly hard, as I said, with their Samoan authorities," Luxon said.
"Now our focus is jointly, we're working towards mitigating an environmental impact."
Leaders are expected to make a declaration to protect the ocean before the meeting ends.
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