Tonga's King George celebrates new birthday on August 1 [1]
Monday, July 30, 2007 - 18:45. Updated on Monday, December 16, 2013 - 22:13.
The King's real date of birth is May 4 but since he became king last year he decreed that his birthday would be changed to August 1 to coincide with his Coronation. The Coronation is now scheduled for August 1, 2008, a year later than originally planned, being postponed due to the destruction in Nuku'alofa on November 16.
King George Tupou V's birthday celebrations began yesterday, Sunday July 29, with a special thanksgiving prayer service conducted by the Royal Chaplain Rev Dr 'Ahio at the Centenary Church.
The Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele will host a reception at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel tomorrow evening, July 31.
Celebrations will continue with a military parade at Pangai Lahi starting at 9:30am on August 1, to be followed by a reception held by the Master of the Royal Household Hon. Fielakepa at the former British High Commissioner's residence, at Kolomotu'a, in the afternoon.
There will be a special dinner for VIP Guests at the Villa Residence hosted again by the Master of the Royal Household, Hon. Fielakepa in the evening of August 2.
VIP Guests
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed this afternoon that the number of overseas dignitaries who are already in Tonga for the king's birthday, included Samoa's Head of State, the Samoan Minister of Revenue, Mr Tofa'anasiii Leota and and the CEO of Samoa's Prime Minister's office. Also present in Nuku'alofa are the Korean Ambassador to Tonga, Mr Joon-Gyu Lee and Madam Ok Kyung Kim, and the British High Commissioner to Tonga, based in Fiji, Mr Roger Sykes.
The dignitaries who are yet to arrive include the children of the late Ratu Mara, the Maori King, and the Head of State of Futuna.