King Charles faced torrential rain that Samoan elders described as a “gift from the gods” as he walked in mangroves that are under threat from climate change.
The Monarch ditched his suit and dressed for island life as he was made a high chief.
Dressed in a specially designed bush jacket, with a blue trim hand stitched by the Samoan school of fine art, the King wished the luck of the gods on his hosts as he drank an ava potion.
The peppery root drink, which is known for being slightly intoxicating, is a key part of Samoan culture. Bestowing the honour on the monarch, Chief of the Moata’a Village, Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai urged him to “take a small part of Samoa away with him”.
The chief told of his admiration for the King and his efforts to highlight climate change amid 70% of the island in perilous danger of succumbing to global warming including tropical cyclones, flooding, and droughts.
Calling the gathering an “opportunity of a lifetime”, Chief Fuatai said the decision to welcome Charles was in respect of the traditions of the village’s forefathers, adding: “He will be connected to our people and our lands forever.”
