The King and Queen were officially welcomed to Samoa with a royal 'ava ceremony ... Maria prepared the drink in a shallow bowl known as a tanoa, which is made from the wood of the ifilele ...

Preparations have been four years in the making, with businesses stockpilling supplies, villages decorated in each country's colours and a huge community effort to be ready to host.

Maria prepared the drink in a shallow bowl known as a tanoa, which is made from the wood ... to the Head of State and Prime Minister of Samoa. Two women then bowed before presenting Their ...