The hosts were quietly pleased King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted by torrential downpours for their royal visit – for one particular reason.
Torrential downpours greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla on their first full day of engagements in Samoa – but instead of being dismayed by the wet weather, the hosts were quietly pleased.
This is because the downpours are considered a sign of the King bringing blessings to the nation for his visit, as heavy rain at this time of year is associated with a bountiful harvest of palolo – a rare type of coral reef worm.
The palolo only spawns twice a year at the full moon and is a hugely prized delicacy here, akin to caviar.
Locals wade out to the reefs and scoop it up and its small pots sell for WST$400, which is about £110.
Samoans can throw feasts to celebrate their bounty, frying the palolo with eggs, or baking them into bread with coconut milk and onions, or even sprinkling them on toast.