People crowded the Faleolo International Airport to get a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as the Royal Australian Defence aircraft touched down after 7 pm on Wednesday.

Many had their phones ready and had hoped to capture videos and photos of the monarch, a memory they were quick to share on social media.

A red carpet was rolled out on the tarmac and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa was on the front line to greet the British royals. 

Vaa Petelo works for the Airport Authority and was amongst the men who were on the move to shift the red carpet closer to the royal aircraft.

"I just wanted to see what the King looks like in real life and this might be the only time I get to see him up close," said Petelo as he moved closer to get a clear view.

Prime Minister Fiame smiled as she greeted the King and Queen. King Charles was heard saying to Fiame "beautiful" as he took his first steps on Samoan land. 

The British flag was raised in front of the new VIP terminal followed by a guard of honour.

Superintendent Aumua Col Aumua walked alongside King Charles as he inspected the guard of honour and was seen conversing with him.
Asked what he was discussing with the King, Aumua said the King commented on how smart the uniform was.

"I told him this is the official police uniform in any guard of honour such as this occasion," he told the Samoa Observer. 

"He also asked why women were included in the guard of honour and I talked about gender equality promoted by the Ministry and both genders are equal." 

Aumua was honoured to have been one of the first policemen who the King shared a conversation with.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Keti played a key role in assisting her colleagues and deputy commissioner, Afamasaga Samuelu Leiataua hoisted the British flag.

Being in the presence of the King, Papalii said "Iis a once in a lifetime chance to see him in real life". 

After a brief audience with Prime Minister Fiame, the King and Queen were escorted under heavy security to Sinalei Resort at Siumu.
The state visit coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that begins with the executive meeting on Thursday attended by some 33 leaders from the 56-member forum.

In Siumu the villagers have worked throughout October to prepare for the King’s arrival and ensure the royal stay will be enjoyable and safe. 

The village has placed British and Samoan flags on the side of the road and installed a massive billboard that reads “The people of Siumu welcome His Majesty to the Land of Kings”. 

Village representative, Tofaeono Kitiona Tofaeono confirmed the district of Siumu has agreed to confer the matai title Toaiga o Tumua on Saturday during a 10-minute meeting with the King.

“We hope he accepts the title as a token of respect and appreciation for his presence in our village,” said Tofaeono.

The last time the head of the British monarchy was in Samoa was in February 1977. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip arrived on the royal yacht HMS Brittania. The tour to the Commonwealth countries also marked the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

Journalist Galumalemana Tipi Autagavaia was 15 at the time and remembers the excitement.

He was one of the many Faleata Junior High students who lined the side of the road in front of an old German shop at Sogi where the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (TATTE) building is now located. 

“I had a British flag with me and waved at the Queen as she passed through,” said Galumalemana. 

“I was able to get through security and watched the Queen plant a tree next to the old Fale Fono and everyone was excited about having the Queen of England in Samoa. 

“The royal family is highly respected and I think for us Samoans we have our royal families we still carry that respect and admire monarchy despite the colonial issues.” 

The state visit begins on Thursday morning with an ava ceremony hosted by the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II at the National University of Samoa. 

On Friday the King and Queen will be at Moata’a village for a ceremonial welcome where the matai title Tuitaumeasina will be conferred on King Charles before he visits the mangrove reserve in the area. 

Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.2, Lenatai Victor Tamapua will greet their Majesties in a window of opportunity that he hopes he can get a photo with the King. 

“It is a rare opportunity to be in the King’s presence and I have the pleasure to welcome him on behalf of the village. Many people have seen him on television but we will shake hands with him.”