King arrives in Samoa

The royal couple flew to the Polynesian nation, which is hosting a major gathering of Commonwealth leaders, after their tour of Australia -the first by Charles as King.

Charles will preside over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, taking part for the first time as its head.

He will formally open the global summit tomorrow but plays no part in the discussions between the presidents and prime ministers - including Sir Keir Starmer -which take place informally behind closed doors and, unusually, no advisers or aides are present.

Soon after the Royal Australian Air Force plane carrying the King and his wife Camilla left Sydney the couple posted a message on social media under their names.