Some government workers given time off to help prepare for royal visit and Commonwealth leaders’ meeting as excitement on the island builds

In the small village of Siumu, south of the capital Apia, locals have been busy cleaning the sides of the road and hoisting British flags as they prepare for a historic visit from King Charles III.

Bamboo has been planted on the roadside, coconuts and houses painted blue, white and red in the colours of the Samoan flag. Children will line the road to welcome the King and Queen Camilla to Siumu on Wednesday. School is on a semester break and more than 200 teachers have been pulled in to help prepare for the event.