King of Tonga returns to New Zealand [1]
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 18:00. Updated on Thursday, September 5, 2013 - 17:48.
The 87-year old monarch who had been living in Auckland since December last year, had returned to Tonga on March 18, but cut short his first public appearance of the year on March 23 when he appeared to be infirm at the opening of the Vaiola Hospital's new wing.
Suka ‘Otukolo of the Palace Office said today that the king was expected to return to Tonga in the second week of May.
Princess Pilolevu was Princess Regent following the departure of the king on April 13 until the Easter weekend, when HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a returned to Tonga from overseas.