In the dark, dozens of people lined a narrow road near the Samoan fishing village of Siumu, gathering near a sign bearing a portrait of King Charles III and waiting excitedly for a glimpse of the real monarch.

King Charles will deliver an address to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Friday. The royal office said as well as attending CHOGM, the King’s programme in Samoa would be supportive of one of the meeting’s key themes, “a resilient environment”, and the meeting’s focus on oceans.

King Charles III arrived in Samoa on Wednesday to preside over the gathering of Commonwealth presidents and prime ministers for the first time as head of the monarchy.