Interview: HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV (83)

When ordinary people reach the age of 64 years they are expected to retire and stop working, but if the King of Tonga, HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV, at 83 years, reduces his work load and looks very tired at the end of an ordinary working day, some people seem to think that something is terribly wrong. The New Zealand media in late October ran a news story that the King’s health was deteriorating, and claimed that there was a battle for power within the Tongan Royal family. Interview by Pesi Fonua, Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 3, December 2001.