King Tupou VI appoints new Prime Minister in private audience

King Tupou VI has appointed Lord Fakafanua (40) as the 20th Prime Minister of Tonga. The Royal Warrant of Appointment was presented during a private audience attended by the Prime Minister's family and his parliamentary supporters, at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa, this afternoon, 18 December 2025. Lord Fakafanua told reporters that he hoped to have his new Cabinet sworn in before Christmas.