HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho are travelling to Fiji to attend the funeral of Tongan Law Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga (59), Fiji's former Vice-President on Friday, October 7.

Lord Madraiwiwi passed away last week in Suva after a short illness.

The Palace Office in Nuku’alofa confirmed today that the King and Queen departed Tonga on Monday, October 3 for Auckland. They are expected to arrive in Suva on Wednesday, October 5 for the funeral.

Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga, held a life peerage bestowed by the late King George Tupou V in January 2011, at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa. He was awarded the honour of a Grand Gross of the Royal Order of Queen Salote and became a Law Lord, who advised the King on legal matters.

A lawyer by profession and a former Vice-President of Fiji, Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga was also Nauru's Chief Justice for the past two-years.

Coup

Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was dismissed from office in December 2006 by the Military Commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup. He was forcibly evicted from his official residence and from his office on the night of December 6, 2006.

He is said to have Tongan ancestors through his Lau connection. Lord Madraiwiwi Tangatatonga is the Roko Tui of Bau, which is second in rank to the Turaga na Vunivalu ni Bau, the Paramount Chief of the Kubuna Confederacy, which belongs to the Tui Kaba clan.

He is the son of the late Dr Ratu Dovi, a brother of the late Sir Ratu Lala Sukuna. Ratu Dovi and Ratu Lala Sukuna were sons of Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi who married Adi Litiana Maopa, the eldest daughter of the Tui Nayau.

The appointment of the holder of the Tu’i Lau title, traditionally is a prerogative of the Tongan monarch.