Tonga's Tupou IV laid to rest

The funeral of Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, the first of a Tongan monarch in 41 years, today presented to the world a vivid picture of Tonga in the first decade of the 21st century. 

The new King, George Tupou V, in full uniform as the Chief in Command of the Tonga Defence Service, with his soldiers, commanded the dignified funeral service, with civilians uniformly clad in black carrying out all the religious and cultural activities. Photographs by Pesi Fonua, Linny Folau, Peter Poulsen and Adrienne L. Kaeppler.