The drink is called kava, but is locally referred to as simply ava, according to the news agency AFP, and is described as a spicy and mildly intoxicating beverage made from roots. It contains psychoactive substances, was prepared for Charles by a chief's daughter and served at a traditional ceremony.
At the same time, he was awarded the title Tui Taumesina – high chief or king of Taumesina.
We feel honored that he chose to be welcomed in our village. As a gift, we wanted to confer a title, explains Lenatai Victor Tamapua in the village of Moata'a.
Kava products have been banned in the UK for a long time, as they are feared to cause liver damage. King Charles, however, has previous experience of the drink from a visit to nearby Vanuatu in 2018.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are on an official visit to the region and are spending four days in Samoa after first spending six days in Australia.
